Road laws anyone??!

[lizijj]

Hi, today hacking out we encountered a quad bike - he did slow down but wouldn't stop, and immediately past us loudly accelerated which made my horse (who is fine with motorbikes, tractors, buses, lorries etc) really have a s*it fit. I've found out who it is and have also found out that he's fond of the 'drink' - does anyone know exactly what the law is regarding how to drive/ride motor vehicles near horses? Double useful as it's nearly silly season with tourist cars near us who 1) can not reverse, 2) can not drive safely on country lanes and 3) can not reverse or drive.

Cheers!

[mulledwhine]

They have to abide bythe same law as everyone else . I believe it reads something like ' approach with care, one passed, move away quietly and smoothly' so why does no one bother ????

[lizijj]

I'll probably report it to the police - but will they do anything... ? :S

[RainbowDash]

Hi,

There's no law as such only guidelines. Much of which relies on the driver having sense. I had a young driver do all the right things but his big bore exhaust spooked my horse as he passed very wide and slowly.

All I suggest is that you ensure you are both in hi-vis - be seen - even during the day as if you go under shadow of a tree (for example) you're less visable.

The guidance for riders and drivers is here:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAn...mals/index.htm

x

[Littlelegs]

As above. Google 'highway code' for exact wording.

[FestiveG]

It may be worth reporting the quad bike to the local police, as a number of quad riders do not have 'street legal' machines, they do not have number plates and insurance etc, which they do need to have if not on private land and if they use any publc rights of way. The police may well 'have a word' with the driver if this is the case.

[lizijj]

Cheers, yep we were all Hi Vizzed up like a Christmas Tree! Thanks for the advice

[lizijj]

Other road users
214
Animals. When passing animals, drive slowly. Give them plenty of room and be ready to stop. Do not scare animals by sounding your horn, revving your engine or accelerating rapidly once you have passed them. Look out for animals being led, driven or ridden on the road and take extra care. Keep your speed down at bends and on narrow country roads. If a road is blocked by a herd of animals, stop and switch off your engine until they have left the road. Watch out for animals on unfenced roads.
215
Horse riders and horse-drawn vehicles. Be particularly careful of horse riders and horse-drawn vehicles especially when overtaking. Always pass wide and slowly. Horse riders are often children, so take extra care and remember riders may ride in double file when escorting a young or inexperienced horse or rider. Look out for horse riders’ and horse drivers’ signals and heed a request to slow down or stop. Take great care and treat all horses as a potential hazard; they can be unpredictable, despite the efforts of their rider/driver.