In Mojave County, anyone caught stealing soap must wash himself – or herself – until they finish off all the soap. This is supposedly one of the more unusual laws in the state of Arizona. There are some weird Arizona driving rules, too. If your soap-theft getaway car happens to be a horse, other rules may apply. Our Bullhead City auto accident attorney is here to walk you through this very unique driving situation.
Share the Road
In Arizona, other vehicles may not be the only thing you have to look out for on the road. According to ARS §28-625, “a person riding an animal or driving an animal drawn vehicle on a roadway has all of the rights and is subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle by this chapter and chapters 4 and 5 of this title, except the provisions of this chapter and chapters 4 and 5 of this title that by their very nature can have no application.” So, while they are not considered motorists, horseback riders have every right to be on public roads, as long as they do so responsibly.
Still, this may leave you wondering what you should do if you come upon a rider on horseback on your commute. Well, Arizona law addresses this. According to ARS §28-858, “a person operating a motor vehicle on a public highway and approaching a horse-drawn vehicle, a horse on which a person is riding or livestock being driven on the highway shall exercise reasonable precaution to prevent frightening and to safeguard the animals and to ensure the safety of persons riding or driving the animals. If the animals appear frightened, the person in control of the vehicle shall reduce its speed and if requested by signal or otherwise shall not proceed further toward the animals unless necessary to avoid accident or injury until the animals appear to be under control.” The Arizona Department of Insurance says hitting an animal or bird when operating a motor vehicle is covered by comprehensive insurance.
Liability for Horseback Riders
Our state laws that pertain to liability for damages caused while riding horses can be found in ARS §12-553, Limited liability of equine owners and owners of equine facilities. The word “equine” refers to a:
- Donkey
- Horse
- Mule
- Pony
In Arizona, if a horse rider suffers an injury and the owner of the horse is negligent or commits willful or intentional acts of harm, the horse owner may be liable. However, the owner of a horse may not be liable for an injury or death to a rider or the horse, even if the owner gave the rider permission to ride the horse if:
- The rider had control of the horse when injury or death occurred.
- The rider is under age 18 and his/her parent/legal guardian signed a release.
- The owner’s tack (equipment) used in riding the horse was suitable.
- lastly, the owner selected a suitable horse based on the person’s representation of his or her riding skills, health, and experience riding horses.
A horse owner is not liable for an injury or death of a horseback rider or the horse if the owner is the owner of a horse stable, rodeo grounds, training/boarding stable, or private property. This applies whether the rider had the owner’s permission or not. The horse owner may be liable if:
- The owner/lessor/agent are aware of or should be aware of a hazardous condition and fails to disclose such to the rider.
- The owner/lessor/agent is grossly negligent or commits willful or intentional acts of harm.
When injury or death occurs from someone horseback riding in Arizona, your Bullhead City auto accident attorney is available for free consultations.
On the other hand, if you plan to ride your horse on Bullhead City’s residential and public areas, it’s a good idea to take a few safety precautions.
Tips for Arizona Horseback Riding Safety
Horses are unpredictable and horseback riding is considered a dangerous sport. You can make your ride safer if you follow basic guidelines for safety when riding a horse in Arizona.
- Avoid riding on high vehicular-traffic roads.
- Carry a cellphone or 2-way radio.
- Don’t race.
- Don’t ride alone unless you have proper experience; you and the horse should be familiar with each other.
- Inspect tack for signs of wear/weakness.
- Know how to do an emergency dismount.
- Know how to do an emergency stop without a rein.
- Be aware of how to fall.
- Make sure your horse is suitable for your skillset. Beginners should ride well-mannered horses that are familiar with beginner riders’ handling.
- Never leave small children alone or unattended around horses.
- Use safety stirrups.
- Wear an ASTM-approved riding helmet because the majority of injuries/fatalities are due to head injuries.
Bullhead City Auto Accident Attorney
If you’re injured while horseback riding on a trail or public road, or involved in an accident with someone on horseback, be sure to contact a Bullhead City auto accident attorney with Lerner and Rowe. With free consultations available and no fees unless you win, there’s no reason to hesitate. We understand the frustration and loss personal injury can cause you and your family. Therefore, you have nothing to lose.
Our office hours are 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., but we’re always here for you. Our LiveChat is available to you 24/7 for your convenience. Call 928-222-2222 to learn more about Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys!