Guidelines for Illuminating and Identifying Low-Profile, Animal-Powered Carts and Other Equine Vehicles
Enhanced Lighting and Marking Recommendations for Pony Carts
In an effort to improve the safety of pony cart users on public roads, community meetings were held with over 85 members, including manufacturers, dealers, and safety leaders. These discussions led to the development of recommendations for improved lighting and marking practices for pony carts.
One of the key suggestions from community safety leaders is the use of retroreflective tape. This tape should be wrapped around the shaft of the flag pole for added visibility, as well as placed along the vehicle tongue or shaft, visible on the outside of the animal. Retroreflective tape should also be used on the rear-facing edges of pony carts to increase visibility for passing motorists.
The Slow-Moving Vehicle (SMV) Emblem (Fig. 1) is a unique marker that identifies vehicles traveling slower than 25 mph. This emblem should be mounted on the rear center of the vehicle, with the triangle point facing upward, 2-4 feet above the surface of the road.
To provide greater visibility of low-profile vehicles on curves and over hilltops, an orange flag should be mounted on the left side of the cart, with the approximate mounting height of the flag being 4-7 feet above the surface of the road.
The goal of these recommendations is to provide a standardized approach to enhancing the visibility of individuals who operate pony carts on public roads.
The 2012 ASABE standards for horse-drawn vehicles, which include pony carts, emphasize safety with the use of lights and reflective materials to ensure visibility similar to other road users. While compliance may vary by community and local laws, these general guidelines are accepted and promoted for safety on public roads.
The Holmes and Wayne counties Amish Safety committees contacted The Ohio State University's Agricultural Safety and Health program to discuss the need for enhanced lighting and marking on low-profile carts. The recommended practice establishes a unique identification system for slow-moving, animal-drawn vehicles on public roadways, intended to complement existing laws, rules, and regulations in individual states, provinces, and municipalities.
It is important to note that this recommended practice is a voluntary consensus standard, not intended to devalue or replace cultural or religious values. For precise and authoritative specification, consulting the actual 2012 ASABE standard S279 (or relevant standard at that time) would be necessary.
A study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration showed that the use of retroreflective tape on semi trailers reduced the number of side and rear impacts by 29% and could potentially reduce collisions by 7,800 per year. These findings underscore the importance of implementing these recommendations for the safety of pony cart users on public roads.
The industry of pony cart manufacturing could benefit from adopting the use of retroreflective tape, as recommended by safety leaders, to improve the visibility of their products on public roads. The finance sector might also play a role in supporting the implementation of these safety measures, considering the potential reduction in accidents and related costs. Moreover, the transportation industry could benefit from the use of the Slow-Moving Vehicle (SMV) Emblem, as it increases the visibility of slow-moving vehicles like pony carts, reducing the risk of accidents.