Drivers slowing to pass dogs

[poiuytrewq]

Do you slow to pass dogs on narrow roads?
I just always do without even thinking about it, same as I do for horses, bikes, kids etc, anything that I feel *could flip in front of the car.
I’m amazed at the amount of people that carry on at what feels like a crazy fast speed past me.
It’s become more of a thing since the verges are suddenly 4’ high, often nettles!
We used to just hop up on a verge when I heard something coming but now, since becoming so over grown Cecil has taken to pulling back when I ask him to hop up. So I’m grabbing and picking him up as I have visions of him slipping his collar and ending up under the wheels but that’s quite hard when I have 3 of them.

Are drivers supposed to slow or are there no guide lines on passing dogs?

 

[Highmileagecob]

Drivers appear to be driving more aggressively, faster, and with less regard for other road users and pedestrians. Might be worth asking your local council to mow a safety strip along the verge, but I wouldn't hold out much hope. They seem to have embraced the rewilding principle as a way of saving money. Wear your hi viz!

 

[Spiritedly]

Do you mean if there's no path? If so I always slow down when passing someone whether they have a dog or not. If there is a path then unless the dog is on an extendable lead or loose then I'm usually ready to brake but don't really slow down, but I live in an area where there are loads of dog walkers and if I slowed down everytime I passed one I would be late for everything no matter how early I left.

 

[Errin Paddywack]

I always slow down and pass wide for pedestrians with or without dogs. So many don't though sadly.

 

[Indy]

I always slow down to pass pedestrians walking on the roadside, a lot don't. When I'm walking with Bandit on the road I always walk towards traffic and if there are cars coming I always put him in 'middle'

 

[poiuytrewq]

Spiritedly yes narrow road no path or pavement just very over grown verges. The dogs are all used to jumping up on the side for cars to pass but now, for tiny dogs it’s just like asking them to jump into a jungle.

I don’t know how people with pushchairs or wheelchairs cope.

Pretty sure I’d get no where contacting the council, I did try last year when I almost killed my self pulling out in onto the main road because i just couldn’t see and they didn’t acknowledge me. That particular corner was cut after an accident a month or so later.

 

[Rowreach]

I always slow down for dogs and pedestrians, and I give a wide berth to pedestrians on pavements if the roads are wet. I don't like getting drenched and I don't like it when my dogs get scared by speeding vehicles flying by, so I wouldn't do it to anyone else.

 

[webble]

I would slow a little and give a wide berth to a pedestrian walking on a road regardless, I wouldnt think to make more effort if they had a dog

 

[SkylarkAscending]

Like everyone is saying on here. I would always slow down and pass pedestrians wide. I will do so more if they are elderly, young or have a dog with them

 

[Clodagh]

I drive in narrow lanes all the time (and walk my dogs on them). I always slow to a crawl to pass dogs, and expect people to do the same to me. If I’m with OH he stands in the road until they have slowed right down.
My dogs all know ‘get up’ which means jump up on the bank. Probably tricky for your smalls but handy to teach labs.

 

[MurphysMinder]

Yes I always slow down when passing dogs, or children, and most drivers round here do the same when passing me and dogs. Those that don't get glared/sworn at. The verges round here are only mown once a year now, impossible to walk on already, particularly for the 2 little dogs so I just walk them on the verge side of me, and I always wear high viz.

 

[poiuytrewq]

I drive in narrow lanes all the time (and walk my dogs on them). I always slow to a crawl to pass dogs, and expect people to do the same to me. If I’m with OH he stands in the road until they have slowed right down.
My dogs all know ‘get up’ which means jump up on the bank. Probably tricky for your smalls but handy to teach labs.

They all know "up" and it worked fine when they had somewhere to hop up too. Its not even like they are being naughty but the weeds are way over their heads! Bert is fine to just crash up but he is genuinely scared of fast cars so I guess he takes his preferred option.
It's so horrible, I don't really feel able to walk them all now.

 

[CorvusCorax]

I slow to pass everyone, pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders, dog walkers.

 

[Xmasha]

yes, i always slow down. I also slow down if im on the other side of the road to the dog as well, just as i would with horses

 

[rabatsa]

Put a post on the local facebook page asking for the verge to be cut back for pedestrian safety.

This year our parish council is cutting the verges after several requests last year. A further benefit is less rubbish is dumped on the short verges.

 

[Parrotperson]

Highway Code re passing pedestrians on the road.

• approaching pedestrians on narrow rural roads without a footway or footpath. Always slow down and be prepared to stop if necessary, giving them plenty of room as you drive past.

 

[ArklePig]

I slow to pass everyone. If there's a human on the footpath with a dog that looks less than 100 percent on the lead I slow a lot for them too.

 

[Goldenstar]

I always slow down

 

[poiuytrewq]

I guess its the horseless, dog and childless non bike riders amongst the population that just can't be bothered then!

We are, all 5 of us just going to run riot round the fields this evening in safety, I may not run but they will make up for me It's their favorite anyway by far!

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

I've nearly been mowed down on our lane but I would slow down whatever was in the road but alot of people don't.

 

[MuddyMonster]

Are you sure you are visible enough, if lots of people aren't slowing regularly?

I use a lot of narrow country roads & am always amazed at how many people go out dog walking in navy/black/khaki/grey and just blend into the background ... and I drive expecting them to be there!

With the added sunlight in trees, low sun at certain times of day etc, it can be really hard to see people on the side. I'm not excusing fast driving but if you think the amount of high viz on a horse and rider for the same roads and the amount most people (don't) put on for an on foot walk.

 

[BallyRoanBaubles]

Drive a lot on country lanes, would slow down to pass anyone walking if there was no footpath

 

[luckyoldme]

I slow down for everything...(apart from people who make no attempt to judge traffic on slip roads.)
I would love to say it's because I'm kind and caring but really it's because I know if I hurt or kill someone or something and it's my fault, my head will be messed up for the rest of my life!

 

[Fieldlife]

I am careful but people with dogs off lead and kids on bikes all over a local lane are annoying.

Dogs and kids should be clearly under control and to the side for cars to pass on a road!

It is a road NOT a footpath.

 

[MurphysMinder]

Are you sure you are visible enough, if lots of people aren't slowing regularly?

I use a lot of narrow country roads & am always amazed at how many people go out dog walking in navy/black/khaki/grey and just blend into the background ... and I drive expecting them to be there!

With the added sunlight in trees, low sun at certain times of day etc, it can be really hard to see people on the side. I'm not excusing fast driving but if you think the amount of high viz on a horse and rider for the same roads and the amount most people (don't) put on for an on foot walk.

A driver stopped and thanked me for wearing high viz when walking the dogs .

 

[scats]

Of course. I also do it if I saw a cat/squirrel/fox or other animal at the side of a road. They could take fright and run right infront of the car.

 

[poiuytrewq]

Of course. I also do it if I saw a cat/squirrel/fox or other animal at the side of a road. They could take fright and run right infront of the car.

Same! I once killed a hedgehog years ago and was just gutted. We are talking over 25 years and I'm still gutted about it
I did also once hit a loose dog, well it kind of ran into my car, just flat out into the side/wing. The thud was awful. The dog was fine. I knocked the door and told the lady it had just ran at me and i was really sorry (i think i was on the verge of tears) she told me "oh yeah it races across the road to the field opposite all the time, maybe she will think twice now" WTF! really.

Anyhow, I'd be devastated if i hit anything/one

I am careful but people with dogs off lead and kids on bikes all over a local lane are annoying.

Dogs and kids should be clearly under control and to the side for cars to pass on a road!

It is a road NOT a footpath.

Yes, always on a lead on the road. They are just pretty narrow by us.