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Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2015; 5(3); 592-609; doi: 10.3390/ani5030374

Inroads into Equestrian Safety: Rider-Reported Factors Contributing to Horse-Related Accidents and Near Misses on Australian Roads.

Abstract: Horse riding and horse-related interactions are inherently dangerous. When they occur on public roads, the risk profile of equestrian activities is complicated by interactions with other road users. Research has identified speed, proximity, visibility, conspicuity and mutual misunderstanding as factors contributing to accidents and near misses. However, little is known about their significance or incidence in Australia. To explore road safety issues amongst Australian equestrians, we conducted an online survey. More than half of all riders (52%) reported having experienced at least one accident or near miss in the 12 months prior to the survey. Whilst our findings confirm the factors identified overseas, we also identified issues around rider misunderstanding of road rules and driver misunderstanding of rider hand signals. Of particular concern, we also found reports of potentially dangerous rider-directed road rage. We identify several areas for potential safety intervention including (1) identifying equestrians as vulnerable road users and horses as sentient decision-making vehicles (2) harmonising laws regarding passing horses, (3) mandating personal protective equipment, (4) improving road signage, (5) comprehensive data collection, (6) developing mutual understanding amongst road-users, (7) safer road design and alternative riding spaces; and (8) increasing investment in horse-related safety initiatives.
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Publication Date: 2015-07-22 PubMed ID: 26479376PubMed Central: PMC4598696DOI: 10.3390/ani5030374Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This Australian study identifies factors that contribute to horse-related accidents and near misses on roads across the country, noting that more than half of all respondents reported such an experience in the past 12 months. The researchers also suggest several areas for improvements in safety interventions.

Research Methodology

  • The study was carried out through an online survey, aimed at gathering data on the factors contributing to accidents and near misses involving horses on public roads.
  • The participant pool was comprised of Australian horse riders, making this a localized study that focuses on the gravity and frequency of horse-accidents in the Australian context.

Key Findings

  • More than half (52%) of the riders reported having undergone at least one accident or near miss in the 12-month period leading up to the survey. This signifies the high frequency and risk of equestrian activities on Australian roads.
  • Contributing factors to these accidents and near misses mainly revolved around speed, proximity, visibility, conspicuity, and miscommunication between riders and drivers. These, however, were not new and have been found in previous studies conducted outside of Australia as well.
  • A unique finding was the prevalence of misunderstandings related to road rules and hand signals used by riders. Drivers were reported to be largely unaware of what these signals meant, contributing to the occurrence of accidents.
  • The study also shed light on the phenomenon of “rider-directed road rage,” whereby road rage incidents were reported to specifically target horse riders. This indicates a potential social or behavioral issue exacerbating the risk of accidents.

Suggested Safety Interventions

  • Recognizing equestrians as vulnerable road users and understanding that horses, unlike vehicles, are sentient beings capable of independent decision-making under stressful conditions.
  • Uniform codification of laws regarding passing horses on the road.
  • Enforcing the use of personal protective equipment for riders to minimize injuries incurred from accidents.
  • Enhancing road signage to alert drivers about the possibility of encountering horses.
  • Establishing a comprehensive system for data collection on horse-related accidents for better understanding of the issue.
  • Fostering mutual understanding and respect among all road users through education and awareness campaigns.
  • Designing roads and alternative riding spaces to accommodate horses and riders safely.
  • Allocating more funding and resources toward initiatives aimed at improving horse-related safety.

Cite This Article

APA
Thompson K, Matthews C. (2015). Inroads into Equestrian Safety: Rider-Reported Factors Contributing to Horse-Related Accidents and Near Misses on Australian Roads. Animals (Basel), 5(3), 592-609. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani5030374

Publication

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 5
Issue: 3
Pages: 592-609

Researcher Affiliations

Thompson, Kirrilly
  • The Appleton Institute, CQUniversity, 44 Greenhill Road, Wayville, SA 5034, Australia. kirrilly.thompson@cqu.edu.au.
Matthews, Chelsea
  • School of Natural and Built Environments, Civil Engineering, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia.

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Citations

This article has been cited 10 times.
  1. Riley CB, Padalino B, Rogers CW, Thompson KR. Human Injuries Associated with the Transport of Horses by Road. Animals (Basel) 2023 May 10;13(10).
    doi: 10.3390/ani13101594pubmed: 37238024google scholar: lookup
  2. Pollard D, Furtado T. Public Roads as Places of Interspecies Conflict: A Study of Horse-Human Interactions on UK Roads and Impacts on Equine Exercise. Animals (Basel) 2021 Apr 9;11(4).
    doi: 10.3390/ani11041072pubmed: 33918900google scholar: lookup
  3. Pollard D, Grewar JD. Equestrian Road Safety in the United Kingdom: Factors Associated with Collisions and Horse Fatalities. Animals (Basel) 2020 Dec 15;10(12).
    doi: 10.3390/ani10122403pubmed: 33334012google scholar: lookup
  4. Chapman M, Thomas M, Thompson K. What People Really Think About Safety around Horses: The Relationship between Risk Perception, Values and Safety Behaviours. Animals (Basel) 2020 Nov 26;10(12).
    doi: 10.3390/ani10122222pubmed: 33256171google scholar: lookup
  5. Chapman M, Thompson K. Preventing and Investigating Horse-Related Human Injury and Fatality in Work and Non-Work Equestrian Environments: A Consideration of the Workplace Health and Safety Framework. Animals (Basel) 2016 May 6;6(5).
    doi: 10.3390/ani6050033pubmed: 27164148google scholar: lookup
  6. Ikinger CM, Baldamus J, Spiller A. Factors Influencing the Safety Behavior of German Equestrians: Attitudes towards Protective Equipment and Peer Behaviors. Animals (Basel) 2016 Feb 18;6(2).
    doi: 10.3390/ani6020014pubmed: 26901229google scholar: lookup
  7. DeAraugo J, McLaren S, McManus P, McGreevy PD. Improving the Understanding of Psychological Factors Contributing to Horse-Related Accident and Injury: Context, Loss of Focus, Cognitive Errors and Rigidity. Animals (Basel) 2016 Feb 15;6(2).
    doi: 10.3390/ani6020012pubmed: 26891333google scholar: lookup
  8. Haigh L, Thompson K. Helmet Use Amongst Equestrians: Harnessing Social and Attitudinal Factors Revealed in Online Forums. Animals (Basel) 2015 Jul 17;5(3):576-91.
    doi: 10.3390/ani5030373pubmed: 26479375google scholar: lookup
  9. Thompson K, McGreevy P, McManus P. A Critical Review of Horse-Related Risk: A Research Agenda for Safer Mounts, Riders and Equestrian Cultures. Animals (Basel) 2015 Jul 17;5(3):561-75.
    doi: 10.3390/ani5030372pubmed: 26479374google scholar: lookup
  10. Chapman M, Fenner K, Thomas MJW, Thompson K. Stakeholder Views on the Potential Benefits and Feasibility of an Equestrian Industry-Specific Health, Safety and Welfare Management System. Animals (Basel) 2024 Nov 28;14(23).
    doi: 10.3390/ani14233450pubmed: 39682412google scholar: lookup
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