Horse-drawn vehicles are one of the slowest moving of all road users. These vehicles range from two-person carts to open or closed buggies carrying up to eight people, and large, wide farm wagons used to carry crops, equipment and other goods. These vehicles will travel primarily on the shoulder of roadways, but may straddle or enter the paved lane where shoulders are narrow or no shoulder exists – such as bridge crossings. Remember that it is common to see horse-drawn vehicles throughout southwestern Ontario and increasingly in eastern and northern Ontario.
Horse-drawn vehicles on the road must display an orange and red slow-moving sign on the rear of the buggy. In addition, many buggies have highly reflective tape affixed to the side and rear of the vehicle. The sign warns other drivers that this vehicle is travelling at 40 km/h or less, and the reflective tape illuminates as headlights hit the buggy.
If you see a horse-drawn vehicle, slow down and be very cautious. Maintain a safe following distance and only pass when it is safe to do so. When approaching a horse-drawn vehicle travelling in the opposite direction, move to the far right of your lane. When passing, give as much distance between you and them as possible. Passing too closely could scare or startle the horse, causing it to change direction suddenly on the roadway.
Horses can be unpredictable and may react to loud noises, sudden movements, or unfamiliar objects. Avoid using your horn near horse-drawn vehicles unless absolutely necessary for safety. If you must use your horn, do so gently and from a distance.
Be especially patient with horse-drawn vehicles. The operators cannot simply 'speed up' or 'get out of the way' like motorized vehicles. Horses require time to respond to commands and may not react immediately to the operator's directions.
Horse-drawn vehicles may take longer to clear intersections, make turns, or respond to traffic signals. Allow extra time and space for these maneuvers. The operator may need to control not only the vehicle but also calm or direct the horse.
Weather conditions can affect horses more than mechanical vehicles. Horses may be more skittish in windy conditions, during storms, or in extreme temperatures. Exercise extra caution when encountering horse-drawn vehicles in adverse weather.
At night or in low-light conditions, horse-drawn vehicles may be difficult to see despite reflective tape and slow-moving signs. Reduce speed and increase following distances when visibility is poor.
Slowest moving of all road users
Range from 2-person carts to 8-person buggies to large farm wagons
Travel primarily on shoulders, may enter lanes on narrow roads
Common in southwestern Ontario, increasing in eastern/northern areas
Must display orange and red slow-moving sign on rear