Nanny State or "For Everyone's Safety"?

[E_Lister]

We often see debates raging on here about whether or not people should be obliged by law or just social convention to wear riding hats or flourescents when hacking.

Do you personally feel this is the nanny state coming in or people should have to take safety precautions for their own (and often orthers') good?

I don't want a row about what it should be. Just if it is too much or not.

 

[ThePony]

I think if you are engaging in an activity that can be dangerous and if it is possible to reduce the danger to yourself by following certain rules or wearing safety clothing (and assuming that treating your injury is paid for by the state) then I think it is reasnoble for there to be rules/laws covering this. Basically if you expect the NHS and social security to pay up and treat you should something go amiss, then you should also be prepared to lessen that risk.

 

[MrsMozartletoe]

I think riding hats should be worn at all times when on a horse, though it would be impossible to police, except when on the road.

I think high viz should be worn when hacking, either on the road or off, again, hard to police.

I'm sick to the back teeth of people saying that they are 'adults/grown-ups' etc. and that the decision is theirs and theirs alone. That would be fine if it weren't for the fact that drivers often can't see a horse and rider against the sun/trees, etc. Again it would be fine if the person is on their own and nobody else had to deal with the aftermath of a head injury.

As most will know, I speak as someone who has tried the latter.

 

[Tinkerbee]

The Government is already too involved in our lives, why on earth would someone want them influencing more?

 

[Ranyhyn]

For me - wear a hat, don't wear a hat - it's only your head that will suffer. (of course there may be emotional suffering but Im talking injuries)

Hi-viz, for me, would begood as compulsory off the yard. Because it wont just be you who suffers. It's also the driver who hits you, or the driver who hits your horse if you fall off and it's loose.

 

[sarahann1]

Picked second option, mainly because if you fall off and you aren't wearing a hat this doesn't hurt your horse. What you do to yourself is your choice. However having a car plough into you because you chose not to be easily seen, well the horse has no choice in that. I do feel quite strongly about Hi-viz and how much you/your horse should wear.

 

[E_Lister]

I have to say that I chose the second option.

Everything you said ThePony rings true to me.

I see it like seatbelts, they were hugely resented when the law came in making it obligitory to wear them, now people do it automatically. Such a small thing as strapping in has saved many lives and reduced many injuries.

Surely for such little effort as it takes to "gear up" it is worth it for your, your horse and those around you's safety and wellbeing.

 

[c2b]

For me - wear a hat, don't wear a hat - it's only your head that will suffer. (of course there may be emotional suffering but Im talking injuries)

It's not just you that potenially suffers though is it? I have a son who had an accident while not wearing a hat and suffered head injuries. I have suffered daily ever since! It might have been his head his choice but where was my choice when it came to taking care of him?

for those "I would never let my son........etc etc people" My son was an adult at the time of his accident. I had no control over him.

 

[MerrySherryRider]

I'm all for influencing by example rather than introducing more laws. Pictures of accomplished riders wearing a hat do far more than another piece of expensive legislation.
I wear a hat when riding, not because I think I'll need it, but because I don't want children and teenagers who see me thinking its cool.


However, it might be a good idea for legislation making people wear a helmet when crossing the road. Bigger cause of accidents and very demanding on NHS resources.