This weekend saw a tragic car / horse-drawn vehicle accident which has left a 33 year old Wellesley man in critical condition after his horse bolted in front of a passing car causing a collision.

Living in Waterloo Region, especially in the northern half of the Region, it is fairly common for us to see horse-drawn buggies at the side of the road, in parking lots and in traffic. Horse-drawn vehicles require special care and attention from drivers of cars, trucks and motorcycles.

The Ministry of Transportation has a fact sheet dedicated to the safety guidelines. Here are some safety tips for driving around horses:

1. Never honk or accelerate suddenly around horses.
2. When passing them give them as much space as possible, and only pass them when it is safe to do so.
3. If you are coming towards a horse and buggy pull as far right as you can in your lane.

Anytime that you approach a horse and buggy too closely you risk spooking the horse and driving it into your path.