Hacking without Hi Viz

[Nic]

I always do, but just spotted a strange claim in an advert and wondered, bad grammer aside, if it was true?

[ QUOTE ]
If you was out on the road and an accident should happen and you don't have any high viz wear on your horse or rider then your insurance will be void.

[/ QUOTE ]

 

[lizzie_liz]

I have heard that too, but don't think many people are aware of it!

 

[Evil_Cookie]

I believe it is... the insurance company and driver involved could definatly claim that they didn't see you and in which case your insurance company wouldn't pay up... Can't confirm it though... is just what I am led to believe...

 

[cosmo_sam]

Yep I reckon that's gonna be a big get out clause for the future.

My friends and her horse got hit by a car, and the driver tried to say she couldn't see her clearly. If there hadn't been witnesses to say that she had high viz on, then there could have been problems claiming against the driver.

It's seriously getting to be one of my major pet hates seeing anyone near a road, with a horse, without high viz on!

 

[Ferdinase514]

I've heard this too. I never go out without a tabard on - would feel naked

 

[Evil_Cookie]

I'm trying to find a decent hi-viz quarter sheet, so watch out England... next time I'm on the roads I'm going to look like a lit up christmas tree... I think I can allready hear the poor horse groaning

I'm very good at embaressing my poor horses...

 

[Eceni]

[ QUOTE ]
If you was out on the road and an accident should happen and you don't have any high viz wear on your horse or rider then your insurance will be void.

[/ QUOTE ]


THAT was an advert??? Really? Is English failing that badly after all.... ?

I despair

and yes, I just bought the most amazing orange fleece with a reflective strip along the back and on both cuffs - I can be seen for *miles* and it's always worth a comment or two in the local village shop

E

 

[OWLIE185]

This is not true at all. There are no insurance companies that exclude cover for those not wearing Hi-Viz.

However, in the event of an accident occuring and the case being taken to court then the matter of whether the horse and/or rider where wearing Hi-Viz would no doubt be brought up.

Damages awarded to the injured party may be reduced in the event of them not having worn Hi-Viz.

 

[filly190]

I dont think it is true. My neighbours are solicitors and own two law firms, she takes on equestrian cases as its her passion. Neither of them ware high viz and have explained to me, that they wont because they consider it to be warning to motorists that the horse could be dodgey and it would affect the case.

I ride always in high viz as I get more respect from traffic, but as mentioned before my neighbours whose job it is to take on equestrian law suits, does not.

 

[cosmo_sam]

Making yourself visible is not admitting your horse is a problem??

I agree though that wearing the likes of "caution young horse" is not advisable.

I just think it's vanity for lots of "traditionalists" who won't wear high viz

 

[Weezy]

I have only in the last month started wearing high viz

And yes, I didn't wear it before purely out of vanity (which is hilarious as I usually look like a tramp anyway!). My OH passed me out hacking and was horrified that he couldn't see me until the last min as I was blending into the hedge, hence he marched me to the tack shop and bought me the vest!

 

[jesterfaerie]

I admit that I don't usualy wear hi viz and I admit it is to do with vanity, but with accidents on the increase (and not just involving horses) I am not going to risk it anymore as I have had some close calls.

 

[cosmo_sam]

[ QUOTE ]
I have only in the last month started wearing high viz

And yes, I didn't wear it before purely out of vanity (which is hilarious as I usually look like a tramp anyway!)

[/ QUOTE ]

LOL

Tiz a powerful thing vanity

my vanity bug was eating away at me telling me to get a Beagler for this year's show season. That was until I broke our arena boards with my head - the vanity bug seemed to shut up then

 

[scs]

I always wear hi-viz - pink flourescent tabard and band round my hat, and a flourescent quarter sheet on my horse in winter - and I relly do think it helps. Car drivers can certainly see us ages away, even when we are hacking under trees - when if I just had a green jacket on with my bay horse, would mean I wasn't very obvious. I get quite annoyed at other riders who dont wear anything hi-viz as I would never want to risk my horse in any way, so I'd rather look naff but feel I'm doing my best for her...

I would not be sure if insurance could be considered invalid if I didnt wear them though - unless this was also going to be the case for a cyclist without hi-viz - and there are certainly plenty of them (or my real bugbear - cyclists in the dark with no - or minimal lights)

 

[MurphysMinder]

I'm not sure if the insurance thing is right or not. But my daughter and I always wear high vis nowadays. You can see for about a mile up a long straight from my bedroom window. Without the high viz she and the horse just blend into the hedges, with it on you can see the vest, but not the horse!

 

[cp1980]

As an occasional car driver, I must say that I really notice people wearing hi viz clothing much sooner than those without.

With regards to the insurance question, I suppose you would have to check your small print...

However, surely prevention is better than cure! Who gives a toss what your insurance policy states, I'd rather not have an accident!

The Highway Code stipulates that horse riders should wear hi viz. Just like it states car drivers should treat horses with due care and courtesy!

 

[Eceni]

I can thoroughly recommend this as being truly high viz. And I think it looks cool, but I may be wrong in that.

HIgh viz sw shirt




Being seen can't be an indication of a dodgy horse or every cyclist with hi viz would have a dodgy bike and the Highway Code would be giving bad advice...

 

[Folara]

I always wear a High Viz pink and purple vest and ive also got pink reflective hearts on my chaps. Bearing in mind that im on the larger side I tend to think I look like a flourescent Mrs. Blobby - but if it means I get seen then so be it.

 

[guisbrogal]

I have heard that too. In fact I was told that the some insurance companies (think it tells you in the small print) insist on two peices on the rider and two on the horse.

I NEVER ride without mine......I think I would feel a bit naked and rather insecure without it now. It sort of feels like my seatbelt

 

[cariadssogreat]

Ditto cp1980!!!!!

 

[Toby_Zaphod]

I'm not sure if it is actually within any clauses in the policies of insurance at the moment however without a doubt it will be incorporated at some point.

Should anyone be involved in a road accident & not be wearing Hi Viz at the time I would imagine the insurance companies ill still pay out however it is likely that the payout would be reduced significantly if a rider was not wearing Hi Viz.

Wether insurance requires Hi Viz or not common sense dictates that it should be worn, drivers certainly see you earlier & that second or two can make the world of difference.

 

[the watcher]

[ QUOTE ]
I dont think it is true. My neighbours are solicitors and own two law firms, she takes on equestrian cases as its her passion. Neither of them ware high viz and have explained to me, that they wont because they consider it to be warning to motorists that the horse could be dodgey and it would affect the case.

[/ QUOTE ]

this degree of ignorance from a 'professional' is just breathtaking. It is a general principle in law that everybody has a responsibility to mitigate risks wherever possible, therefore wearing hi-vis would not be taken to imply that there is any danger related to the horse other than the obvious dangers connected to a living animal.

 

[Stinkbomb]

I dont think this is true at the moment. I am dealing with an insurance claim on behalf of a friend where the horse and rider were killed in a road traffic accident. I have spoken to many people, solicitors, inspectors from the company and not one person has mentioned whether she was wearing a high viz jacket.

I do however believe we should do as much as possible to remain seen when out with our horses

 

[dozzie]

My insurance actually says that my claim may not be valid if I am not wearing high viz gear. I'm sure it really depends what the weather conditions are like but Im not taking any chances!! So I always wear high viz. However I have nothing written on it! Insurance companies will weedle out of anything!!!

Anyway, i like to be seen.

 

[Bess]

Since reading this thread I've looked closely at my insurance policy (Scottish Equestrian) the only phrase that I can see that possibly relates to hi-vis is 'You must take all reasonable precautions to ensure the safey and wellbeing of the animal(s) and property insured, and to prevent loss, injury or damage.'

I always do wear either a tabard, hat cover with hi vis, or a fisherman's fluorencent jacket bought from a chandler's shop in NI for £15. Just not worth taking the risk by not wearing hi vis stuff.

I did my motorbike test about 10 years ago and they showed you the ad you used to see on TV, message 'be seen, be safe'.

 

[Nic]

[ QUOTE ]

[ QUOTE ]
If you was out on the road and an accident should happen and you don't have any high viz wear on your horse or rider then your insurance will be void.

[/ QUOTE ]


THAT was an advert??? Really? Is English failing that badly after all.... ?

I despair

and yes, I just bought the most amazing orange fleece with a reflective strip along the back and on both cuffs - I can be seen for *miles* and it's always worth a comment or two in the local village shop

E

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes that was an ad I'm afraid

I think I might win a prize in the Hi Viz stakes, my tabbard flashes

I always wear at least a tabbard, but will look at my policy & make sure that is enough.