SPEEDY DRIVERS TOLD ‘WHOA’ WHEN HORSES ARE PRESENT;

EQUINE SCIENCE CENTER REMINDS MOTORISTS OF TRAFFIC LAW

            NEW BRUNSWICK  (June 22, 2006) – The Equine Science Center and Rutgers Cooperative Extension remind motorists that state law requires drivers to slow down as they pass horseback riders and carriages on public thoroughfares.

            The Equine Science Center website (www.esc.rutgers.edu) has posted various materials to educate drivers and riders about a law requiring motorists to reduce their speed to no more than 25 miles per hour when encountering a person riding or driving a horse. Posters, flyers, press releases and other informational tools were created by the Atlantic County 4-H Junior Horse Council. Posters and flyers are available free of charge as a download from the Equine Science Center website.

            According to Deborah Cole, Atlantic County 4-H agent and advisor to the public awareness campaign, “The law requiring drivers to cut their speed is relatively new and not widely publicized. Our 4-H horse project members realized that both drivers and horseback riders needed to be aware of the law, and that riders needed to know their rights as well as their responsibilities when using New Jersey roadways.”

            The group’s posters and flyers can be printed in two sizes – 8 ½”x11” and 1l”x17” – and reproduce equally well in color or black and white. They are suitable for posting in public buildings, stables, tack shops and similar locations.

            The theme of the awareness campaign is “Slow the Driving When They’re Riding.” It draws attention to the recent law which requires New Jersey drivers to slow to a speed of no more than 25 miles per hour when they approach or pass a horse and rider alongside the road or a horse-drawn vehicle. In addition, motor vehicles approaching in the opposite direction of the horse or carriage must stop and allow the horse to pass upon the request of the rider or driver using a hand signal or other means. Failure to comply can result in a fine of up to $150 and a jail sentence.

            The campaign goes on to point out that riders and horse drawn vehicles must also comply with New Jersey law, which requires them to proceed in the same direction as the traffic and to stay as far to the right as possible. Horse-drawn vehicles must use a light on the rear of the carriage from 30 minutes before sunset to 30 minutes after sunrise and in foggy weather. Many limited access highways are off-limits to non-motorized vehicles.

All riders and drivers are urged to use bright-colored clothing and/or reflectors to warn motorists of their presence.  As at any time, riders are cautioned to use an approved safety helmet, proper footwear, sensible clothing designed for equestrian activities and common sense procedures as they enjoy their trail ride.

            Says Karyn Malinowski, director of the Equine Science Center, “The rules for riding on our public roads could easily apply to bicyclists and joggers. It’s just plain horse sense. Drivers should be on the look-out for others using the roadways, especially in areas where there are no sidewalks and development has eliminated traditional trails.

            “Some counties and municipalities have posted road signs where there are heavy horse crossings or riders are likely to be using the public roads to get from one bridle trail to another. This law now applies to all roadways,” she adds.

            The 4-H Youth Development Program is open to youth in grades one through thirteen. Students in grades four through thirteen can participate in the New Jersey 4-H horse program, which attracts approximately 1,700 throughout the state. Horse program participants do not have to own a horse or even have access to one; rather they can participate in a variety of educational programs and events. The 4-H program operates without regard to race, color, national origin, disability or handicap and on an age-appropriate basis.

            The Equine Science Center is a program of the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station on the campus of Rutgers’ Cook College. It’s mission is to employ teaching, research and outreach to ensure the well-being of the equine athlete and the health and sustainability of the horse industry.