Breakdown and road safety organisation GEM Motoring Assist is urging drivers to give pedestrians and horse riders extra time and space as autumn evenings draw in.
GEM’s call supports the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s Operation Dark Night, which focuses on pedestrian and horse rider safety. The message is simple: look carefully, slow down and make room.
Department for Transport1 figures show that road collisions killed 364 pedestrians and seriously injured 5,958 in Great Britain in 2025. Separately, the British Horse Society recorded 2,810 road incidents involving horses during 2025, including 59 horse deaths and injuries to 86 people.
GEM reminds drivers to pass horses at a maximum speed of 10mph, leaving at least two metres of space. Give pedestrians walking in the road at least two metres too, passing at low speed. Wait behind if there is insufficient room.
GEM head of road safety James Luckhurst said: “Whether you’re driving through a village, approaching a crossing or rounding a country bend, expect someone ahead who needs your consideration.
“Give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross when you turn into or out of a junction,” James added. “These small acts of awareness and courtesy help everyone get home safely.”
“As Halloween approaches, look out for children crossing between parked cars. On rural lanes, anticipate walkers where there is no pavement and horse riders around the next bend.
“Sharing roads safely starts with respect. A few seconds spent waiting for a safe place to pass can make all the difference.”
