When passing Cyclists this gap should legally be kept at 1.5Mtrs for speeds up to 30mph
If this gap cannot be given you should wait until the gap can be achieved.
The Hierarchy of Road users laws changed in 2022 giving more priority to the most vulnerable.
Horses can be very unpredictable and easily spooked. Give them space, pass slowly and quietly, don't rev up as you pass them.
The Hierarchy of Road users laws changed in 2022 giving more priority to the most vulnerable.
When passing Cyclists this gap should legally be kept at 2Mtrs for speeds up to 40mph
If this gap cannot be given you should wait until the gap can be achieved.
The Hierarchy of Road users laws changed in 2022 giving more priority to the most vulnerable.
We should be looking at leaving at least 1Mtr between our car and any other vehicle at all times.
If we cannot leave a gap of 1Mtr when passing parked vehicles or other obstructions, our best course of action is to STOP.
If you cannot stop, then seriously reduce your speed so should the circumstances change you could stop in a heartbeat.
Wherever space is reduced then your speed needs to reduce accordingly.
Let's say you were travelling along a residential road, the speed limit for that road is 30MPH
Under normal circumstance the road is empty with no parked cars.
You could possibly drive along it comfortably at 30MPH with no problems whatsoever.
Lets now say there is a row of parked cars on one side of the road.
Reducing your speed to 20MPH or less would be preferable as there is now a risk of pedestrians stepping out from behind one of the parked cars, possibly even someone inside one of those cars who doesn't look over their should before getting out and doesn't see you.
You could stop or take evasive action much quicker at 20MPH than at 30MPH.
Pushing that same scenario even further.
Lets say there are now cars on both sides of the road.
This now doubles your risk, pedestrians stepping out, drivers or passengers getting out of their car, possibly houses on that road and someone could open their front door and an animal run out under one of the cars and straight into your path.
In this situation it would be prudent to lower your speed even further to say 10MPH.
It's all about making safe decisions to suit the situation.
Do this for the rest of your life and you'll reduce the risk of a collision!
Hitting a child with a car driving at 30mph there is a 90% chance they will die
Hitting a child with a car driving at 20mph there is a 90% chance they will live!
Let that sink in!