ridecamp@endurance.net: Right of way

Right of way

Victoria A Thompson (toriandsteve@juno.com)
Fri, 14 Feb 1997 01:14:13 EST

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Horses and the vehicle codes are really strange. In CA horses are
considered vehicles, and when ridden on roads "legally" must follow the
standard "rules of the road". Theoretically you can be given a ticket
for riding on the wrong side of the road (against traffic). I have never
heard of anyone ever getting a ticket for it, but there it is. Here's
the rub, if you are riding on the wrong side of the road (against
traffic) and an accident occurs you are responsible. Just as if you were
driving your car down the wrong side of the road. Horses are also
considered "pedestrians" if you are stopped at a crosswalk and traffic is
supposed to stop for you, but they rarely do. If you are on the ground
leading your horse you take priority over the horse so you walk against
traffic. Traffic is supposed to stop for you, but let's face it, nobody
follows the "rules of the road" once they pass their driving test.

Every state has a different set of laws. You're best bet is to go to the
library and look up the laws regarding horses in your states vehicle code
book. I don't think anybody pays any attention to what is the right side
and what is the wrong side until an accident occurs and the car driver
decides to sue you the horse owner. Hey, it happens!

Never insist upon the right-of-way unless you've got insurance up the
whazoo!

Tori

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