Follow on to Bus Driver thread

[Ruftysdad]

Last week my friend and I were out riding on a fairly narrow road where the speed limit was 30.mph. Suddenly we saw a police car coming towards us at well over the speed limit (he must have been doing 50mph at least)He had no lights flashing, or siren going, so I put my hand up asking him to slow down. He completely ignored me and just sped past us.

We were riding single file, and both of us were wearing HI Viz plus Rufty had leg bands as well. Both our horses are,let's say mature, and are bomb proof in traffic. However what annoyed us, was the lack of consideration. If the horses had spooked at something at the side of the road he would have had no chance of stopping.Most drivers round our way are used to seeing horse and nearly always slow down. I always acknowledge them.

When I got home I rang the local police and spoke to a civilian who said she would pass on my complaint. I could not believe it when a police sergeant rang back and said he had already identified the driver (who was not in a rush) and he had admitted seeing us but not slowing down. The sergeant took full details from me and said that the PC driving the car, who had 8 years police driving experience would be given further training. He also asked did I want to meet him. I declined.

I was really impressed that my complaint had been taken seriously and told him so.

Well done my local police

 

[WelshRuby]

Good that your complaint was taken seriously and that everyone was ok

 

[TandD]

i would have taken the oppertunity to meet him! even just to have a polite word and make sure he fully understood the possible concequence of his actions! you never know he may have to turn round and deal with a fatally injured rider with an accident he would have caused.......

they are there to present an example to others.... may be it would be a good idea for a rider to go in and give a talk to police officers...really highlight the dangers to them! (plus explain a passport in the process)

 

[dogatemysalad]

Good for you. I wonder if the BHS could do some sessions with professional drivers to promote road safety. Some fire stations send their crews along to yards for horse awareness sessions, I wonder if the police do this ? Might be useful not only to familiarise them with possible hazards when passing horses on the roads but also how to behave around stray horses.