With the clocks going back at the weekend (30th October), horse riders are being asked to wear high visibility clothing to give drivers more time to see them properly.

The call is being made by Surrey County Council and Surrey Police to the 25,000 people who keep horses in the county as part of their Drive SMART campaign. It aims to ensure riders can be seen so motorists can pass with care and they all share the road safely and courteously.

By wearing high visibility garments riders could give motorists a valuable three seconds extra reaction time.

It is estimated that each year there are more than eight road accidents a day nationally involving horses, about half of which occur on minor roads. Riders often need to use roads to reach public bridleways.

Surrey County Council's Cabinet Member for Community Safety Kay Hammond said: "I would urge road users to slow down and give horse riders enough time and space when overtaking and I would ask all those on horseback to make sure they can be seen by wearing high visibility clothing.

"Through our Drive SMART campaign we're trying to persuade all road users to abandon their selfish behaviour, be more considerate and give more thought to each other to ensure that our roads are safer and more pleasant for everyone."

Superintendent Sharon Bush, of Surrey Police, said: "Safety on the road is the responsibility of all road users and by wearing high visibility clothing horse riders can give extra warning to motorists to pass with care. This will help to keep them safe."

Drive SMART was launched by Surrey County Council and Surrey Police in September 2009 after county residents rated anti-social driving as a major concern.