What is it about hi-viz?

[Springersrock]

What is it about hi-viz that’s so contentious?

Some of the grazing at our yard is on the other side of a fairly busy road.

A couple of people have complained that some of the liveries don’t use hi-viz when taking their horses across the road, especially this time of year while it’s still fairly dark when we’re all turning out before work/getting dark early in the afternoons when bringing in. One of these drivers had stopped to let one of the liveries cross and politely mentioned that hi-viz would make everyone a lot safer and the livery told the driver to fuck off and mind their own business

The complaints have been passed on via our yard group chat.

Huge row followed

Personally I think it’s quite mad not to wear hi-viz. We have hi-viz coming out of our ears.

We expect drivers to give us space, slow down and show us respect while sharing the roads, so it needs to go both ways - wear hi-viz, make yourself as visible as possible, say thank you and don’t be a dick

If there’s an accident when you’re crossing the road on a dark morning “I forgot” or “well, it’s not law” isn’t really going to cut much ice

Disappointingly, IMO, the yard owner has come down on the “it’s not law, mind your own business” side of the argument. I think it’s pretty irresponsible of him to be honest, but 🤷‍♀️.

[Lexilooo]

If it is dark hi-viz alone won't do much good. You need lights or reflectives.



I came up behind a cyclist in the dark recently, I am sure he thought he was doing a great job in his hi viz coat but he was almost invisible because his hi-viz didn't have any reflective strips on and his rear light was tipped down so almost invisible. I saw his front light first.



I always wear hi-viz, and reflectives when hacking and add lights at twilight or in poor visibility but I hate the victim blaming attitude around hi-viz.

[Springersrock]

I remember being surprised at how true this is on one occasion, when I was aware there would be a lot of horses on the road so was particularly alert, and a piebald appeared, apparently out of nowhere from dappled shade.

Same here. There were 3 horses, 1 in pink, 1 in yellow and 1 without. It was the pink hi-viz I saw first, even the yellow blended in a bit. Didn’t see the one without at all at first.

Yes, drivers absolutely should drive safely around riders and cyclists, but we need to make ourselves seen.

We have to cross a busy road to turn out, sunrise isn’t until nearly 8am, it’s still quite dark when we’re all turning out before work in the morning. Sunset is at 4pm, so fairly dark when bringing in late afternoon. It’s been foggy the last 2 mornings.

We have hi-viz turn out rugs and light up strips that go around their necks. I wear hi-viz and carry a torch.

The attached photo shows just how much difference hi-vis can make

[countrygirl99]

It's very easy for a horse and rider to blend in with a background and be virtually invisible until you sre virtually on them. I remember being surprised at how true this is on one occasion, when I was aware there would be a lot of horses on the road so was particularly alert, and a piebald appeared, apparently out of nowhere from dappled shade. I had spotted the chestnut behind it first.

[Blobby10]

As an ex rider and now regular cyclist I do feel that hi viz should be worn at all times even if just to take away the excuse of another road user that they couldn't see you! It always surprises me how easily a horse and rider (usually wearing a dark jacket that doesn't show the dirt!) will blend into the hedgerows or general background. Cyclists are as bad - last weekend I saw at least four out in the mist on a black bike wearing black leggings, black top (all branded!) and black helmet but no lights or hi vis.

Yes, people driving motor vehicles SHOULD be alert and able to see other road users but we have to be honest and admit that many of us don't concentrate on our driving as much as we should and have music playing or talk to other people at the same time. There ARE exceptions so please don't lambast me for saying this!

In the same way that motorists should use their lights in anything other than bright sunshine to help other road users see them, I do believe the onus is also on non vehicle road users (whether walking, running, cycling or riding) to make themselves as visible as possible and the easiest way to do this is hi vis clothing.

[MilerVino]

There is some very useful information around about why hi-viz is problematic. I recommend this from an insurance specialist www.eta.co.uk/2017/10/20/the-british-curse-of-high-vis/

There's a fair bit of research on hi viz and cycling - see this summary www.cyclingweekly.com/news/latest-news/what-is-the-evidence-that-wearing-hi-vis-clothing-makes-you-a-safer-cyclist-358674 As one commentator there points out, there is a difference between seeing someone earlier, and driving more safely around them. There's also this blog, which links to more information bicycleben.co.uk/2020-10-08/the-image-that-tarnished-a-reputation/

Basically we tend to take a 'common sense' approach that hi viz is good and works. However, once you analyse further, it really isn't that simple. I can see why the yard owner said what they did. A horse is a half ton animal - if you can't see that on the roads, you've got a problem.

[Springersrock]

Hi viz is cheap as chips though - £2.60 for a waistcoat from Amazon . Especially if you consider the potential vet bills if there’s an accident and your horse gets hurt

It baffles me - we wear hats every time we ride without complaint, a body protector when XC, yet a scrap of fabric causes so much angst.

And yes, hugely surprised the YO didn’t come down harder on the behaviour. It reflects badly on his yard and everyone gets tarred with the same brush

[krustykittens]

People don't want to spend the money? We have some people who cross a busy A road near us at all times of the day and night and never use hi viz. I can see them or an animal coming to grief sooner rather than later. Really disgusting that a driver was told to fuck off, I am surprised the livery owner didn't come down harder on that, it brings his business into disrepute, surely?

[ApplestheHare]

I think people overestimate how visible they are when riding or running. The runners round here run on the roads with nothing reflective on and they must have a death wish. I know from when I'm driving how difficult it can be to spot people, especially on the tiny lanes, so we're always in full hi viz. Saying that, 15 years ago I would never have thought about it and that seems mad now 😱

[RandomMess]

Entitlement?

[RandomMess]

I don't get it either 🤷🏽‍♀️

Laziness, stubbornness, snootiness or think it's ugly???

[balancingfigure]

People are stupid?

I don’t get it either we always ride with high viz although don’t have your situation. However I often see people running and walking along country roads in the early evening (no pavements) with no high viz either and just think they must have a death wish.