How to Share the Road with Horse Buggies

In certain communities, residents who travel by horse and buggy are common. Horse and buggy vehicles are able to use most highways, and you are likely to encounter them on occasion. We can all learn to share the road by using common sense, respecting fellow travelers and remembering a few travel safety tips.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Be polite. Visualize yourself in the buggy driver's place. You can appreciate a car driver's nod of acknowledgement, or their admiration of the horse you have worked so hard to train. But imagine the discomfort of being ogled and gawked at because you choose to drive a buggy rather than a car. Always remember that it is disrespectful to stare.
2. Understand that horses are living creatures. They can have a mind of their own. Although most buggies are drawn by seasoned, well-trained horses, the animal can be startled. When this happens, the buggy can suddenly change lanes or maneuver in an unexpected fashion.
3. Allow all oncoming traffic to clear before passing. Horses can spook when vehicles approach from two different directions at once. When the road ahead is completely clear, share the road safely by passing slowly, giving the animal plenty of room. Do not return to the driving lane until you are several car lengths in front of the horse.
4. Remember that buggies travel much slower than cars. A car can overtake a buggy in seconds. Always slow your vehicle when you see a horse drawn buggy ahead and never come closer than 20 feet behind the vehicle. For optimum road safety, be prepared to stop at all times.
5. Watch for turn signals, but do not rely on them. Some buggies have reflectors, rather than lighted turn signals. Others have turn signals that rely on a battery. Buggies do not have alternators constantly charging the battery, so they can easily fail. Be certain the buggy is not turning before attempting to pass.

Tips & Warnings

• Unlighted buggies are difficult to see between dusk and dawn. Keep alert and watchful for their presence.
• Fresh horse droppings can be both messy and slippery. Be aware when driving behind a buggy.
• Do not blow your horn near a horse-drawn buggy. It can spook the animal.
• Never pass a horse when the buggy driver is having difficulty controlling it. The horse can bolt, causing an accident. Wait for the horse to calm down before attempting to pass.