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Road Safety Awareness for Animals and Horse-drawn Vehicles

Written by Linda Keene

The Scantic Valley Riders and Drivers Club is a horse club that promotes the sport of horseback riding and carriage driving.  Many of the members have seen an increase in un-safe driving practices by motor vehicles recently. 

As a result, the club thought it would be a good idea to research what the existing motor vehicles laws are as they pertain to animals and horse-drawn vehicles and try to educate the public.  Both horseback riders and carriage drivers as well as motor vehicles will both benefit from reviewing the existing laws.

Horseback riding and carriage driving can result in severe personal injury or even death if motor vehicles do not obey the rules of the road as they pertain to animals and horse-drawn vehicles not to mention severe injury or death to their animals as well.  Horses are a very large animal and can cause serious personal injury or death to a motor vehicle driver not to mention the damage they can cause to a vehicle if hit.  So it benefits both parties to share the road safely. 

The following is copied from the current Massachusetts Motor Vehicle laws.  The laws are as follows:

1. Always give the right-of-way to any animal that someone is leading, riding, or driving.
2. Animals are easily frightened by motor vehicles, so when you approach any animal or horse-drawn vehicle remember to be careful and:

      a.   Slow down

      b.   If the animal or vehicle is coming toward you or is crossing your path, STOP and allow the animal to pass.

      c.   If the animal or vehicle is traveling in the same direction you are, allow plenty of room for passing safely, and use reasonable speed.

      d.   Do NOT sound your horn or make a loud noise.

      e.   If the animal you are passing appears frightened, you MUST pull your vehicle to the roadside and STOP.

      f.    Proceed only when it is safe.

      g.   You must STOP if a rider or driver signals you to do so.

If we both take a few minutes to review the rules of the road as they apply to animals and horse-drawn vehicles, the road will be a safer place for both riders and drivers.

For more information on the Scantic Valley Riders and Drivers Club please contact Linda Casey at 566-8118.