Summerveld riders take a stand against speedy drivers
Motorists are urged to take care when passing horses.
On Tuesday, 4 August, as a result of an accident that occurred along Hawkestone Road, Summerveld riders and young riders’ parents took matters into their own hands and organised a campaign to educate drivers on the consequences of driving too fast when passing horses.
Last week, a TLB vehicle came racing up behind a horse and rider and the horse got spooked and jumped into the road. The tar caused the horse’s feet to slip and he came down on top of the rider. Luckily, neither horse nor rider was seriously injured; however, it proved to be the last straw for the ‘horsey community’.
This is not the first accident or near-accident to occur as a result of fast drivers, and typifies what has become an all-too-common topic of conversation among riders in Summerveld.
“Speak to anyone who rides in Summerveld and they will tell you a horror story about their horse and a near-miss with a car,” said a zealous campaigner, who wished to remain anonymous.
In recent years, Summerveld has changed from a sleepy little area where a few horse fanatics lived into a sought-after residential suburb. All this development means that traffic not only consists of residents but also contractors and an increase in the number of drivers. The tarred road surfaces have also seen an increase in the speed of drivers.
“What a lot of drivers are not aware of is that if a horse gets a fright from the side of the road, he will jump into the road and into a car passing. It is impossible to stop quickly if you are going fast,” said another campaigner.
“Young horses are especially prone to getting frightened. Many of the riders round here are kids who are just starting out to ride. Drivers are putting these kids’ lives at risk.”
When passing a horse and rider, motorists should adhere to the 40km per hour speed limit, not get too close to a horse and rider and avoid hooting when passing or overtaking a horse and rider.
Riders are also asked to be courteous and acknowledge and thank motorists who obey the rules.
