Driving Instructor Sacked after Tirade at Horse-Riding Kids

By Blind Spot DriveBlog

Driving Instructor Sacked after Tirade at Horse-Riding Kids

Driving Instructor Sacked after Tirade at Horse-Riding Kids

Outline of the Article

1. Introduction
   • Brief introduction to the incident involving driving instructor Craig Allred and two young horse riders.
   • Mention of the viral video and the public’s reaction.
2. The Incident: What Happened?
   • Details of the confrontation between the driving instructor and the two young riders, Megan and Callum.
   • The instructor’s criticism of the riders for allowing their horses to poop on the road.
   • Megan’s response and the ensuing argument.
3. The Role of a Driving Instructor
   • What is expected of driving instructors in terms of knowledge and behavior.
   • How this incident contradicts the professionalism expected from ADIs.
4. The Legal Context: What Does the Highway Code Say About Horses?
   • Key points from the Highway Code regarding horse riders and how road users should behave around them.
   • Clarification of the legal rights of horse riders on the road.
5. Public Outrage: Reaction to the Video
   • How the video went viral and the public’s reaction to the driving instructor’s behavior.
   • Opinions on how the incident reflects broader issues with public behavior and respect for others.
6. The Aftermath: Craig Allred’s Dismissal
   • AA Driving School’s response to the incident and the dismissal of Craig Allred.
   • The importance of upholding values in the workplace.
7. The Role of Children in the Incident
   • The maturity of the children involved and how they handled the situation.
   • The role children play in educating adults about respecting rules and kindness.
8. The Bigger Picture: Road Safety and Respect for Horse Riders
   • The broader implications for road safety and the treatment of horse riders on public roads.
   • Encouraging responsible behavior from all road users, especially driving instructors.
9. Lessons Learned from the Incident
   • What can be learned from this event in terms of empathy, road safety, and public conduct.
   • How this incident highlights the importance of respectful interaction in public spaces.
10. Conclusion

• Recap of the event and its wider social and professional implications.
• Final thoughts on respect, education, and road safety.

11. FAQs

• Answers to five common questions regarding road safety, the treatment of horse riders, and driving instructors’ responsibilities.

Driving Instructor Sacked after Tirade at Horse-Riding Kids

Introduction

Imagine you’re just riding your horse down the road, minding your own business, when suddenly, a driving instructor pulls up beside you and starts yelling. That’s exactly what happened to 14-year-old Megan Lockett and her friend, 12-year-old Callum Mullock, in Greater Manchester. The viral video of this incident has sparked widespread outrage and has led to the dismissal of the driving instructor, Craig Allred. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what happened, the legalities involved, and the aftermath of this unusual confrontation.

The Incident: What Happened?

It all started when Megan and Callum were out riding their horses, as they often do. While on a public road, one of their horses decided to relieve itself, a not-so-rare occurrence for anyone who has been around horses. However, Craig Allred, a 52-year-old Approved Driving Instructor (ADI), didn’t take kindly to the situation. He pulled up beside them and began berating the children for allowing their horses to poop on the road. His suggestion? To take the horses into a nearby field.

The problem? The field belonged to a local farmer, and Megan pointed out that they couldn’t just ride into someone else’s land. She confidently told the instructor to “google” the laws around horse riding, clearly stating that they were doing nothing illegal. But instead of backing down, Allred escalated the situation, accusing the kids of being cruel to animals for, ironically, riding horses at all.

The Role of a Driving Instructor

You’d think that a driving instructor, of all people, would understand the rules of the road—especially when it comes to sharing the road with other users like horse riders. After all, driving instructors are supposed to be well-versed in road safety, legalities, and courteous behavior towards other road users. But in this case, Allred’s actions were far from professional.

In addition to his rude behavior, he completely disregarded the basic principles of respect and common sense. If you’re a driving instructor, you’re expected to know not only the Highway Code but also how to interact with people in a respectful and constructive manner. Instead, Allred’s rant showed a lack of knowledge about horse riding laws and an even greater lack of basic decency.

The Legal Context: What Does the Highway Code Say About Horses?

So, what are the actual rules when it comes to horses on the road? According to the Highway Code, horse riders, like any other road user, have rights and responsibilities. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• Be particularly careful of horse riders: Drivers are urged to be especially cautious when overtaking horse riders and horse-drawn vehicles.
• Pass wide and slowly: When passing a horse, drivers should always leave plenty of space and go slow.
• Children are often riding: Many horse riders are children or inexperienced riders, so extra care should be taken.
• Look for signals from riders: Horse riders may signal drivers to slow down or stop. It’s important to heed these requests.
• Treat all horses as potential hazards: Horses can be unpredictable, so drivers should always be prepared for sudden movements.

Nowhere does the Highway Code say that it’s okay to shout at young horse riders for following the law. So, what Allred did was not only rude but legally unfounded.

Public Outrage: Reaction to the Video

When the video of the incident was posted online, it quickly went viral. People were outraged by Allred’s behavior, with many questioning how someone in his position could act so aggressively towards children. In addition to the general public, horse owners and animal lovers expressed their disbelief, especially considering that the children were simply riding their horses—something they are legally allowed to do on public roads.

This incident brought to light a larger issue of how road users interact with one another. It’s not just about following the law—it’s about showing respect, patience, and understanding. Allred’s outburst seemed to show none of those qualities, making the public reaction all the more passionate.

The Aftermath: Craig Allred’s Dismissal

The AA Driving School, Allred’s employer, wasted no time in responding to the incident. They were quick to distance themselves from Allred’s behavior, releasing a statement expressing their disappointment. The company emphasized that Allred’s actions did not reflect their values and apologized for any distress caused, particularly to the two children involved.

As a result of the incident, Allred was sacked from his position as a driving instructor. His behavior was not just an isolated lapse in judgment; it was a clear violation of the professional standards expected from someone in his role. His dismissal sent a strong message about the importance of upholding workplace values and treating others with respect.

The Role of Children in the Incident

One of the most impressive aspects of this whole situation was how Megan and Callum handled themselves. Rather than becoming upset or defensive, they remained calm and respectfully explained that they were in the right. Megan, in particular, showed a remarkable level of maturity, standing her ground and even educating Allred on the legalities of horse riding on public roads.

In a sense, the children played an important role in teaching the adult a lesson about respect, patience, and common sense.

The Bigger Picture: Road Safety and Respect for Horse Riders

This incident has brought attention to the need for greater awareness and respect for horse riders on the road. Whether you’re a motorist, cyclist, or even a driving instructor, it’s essential to understand and follow the rules when it comes to sharing the road with horses. Horse riders, like other road users, have a right to be on public roads, and it’s the responsibility of everyone else to respect that.

Lessons Learned from the Incident

What can we learn from this unfortunate event? For starters, it’s important to approach every situation with respect, especially when dealing with children. The incident also highlighted how vital it is to be well-informed about the laws we all must follow, particularly when it comes to road safety. As for driving instructors, this serves as a reminder that professionalism, patience, and respect are integral to the job.

Conclusion

In the end, what happened in Greater Manchester was more than just a confrontation between a driving instructor and two young horse riders—it was a lesson for all of us. We must all strive to be more understanding and respectful towards others, especially when it comes to sharing public spaces. And for driving instructors, this incident serves as a stark reminder that the job isn’t just about teaching driving—it’s about setting a good example in all aspects of life.

FAQs

1. Can horses legally ride on public roads?
Yes, horse riders are legally allowed to ride on public roads, but they must follow the same rules as other road users, such as riding in the correct lane and obeying traffic signs.

2. What should drivers do when encountering horse riders?
Drivers should pass horse riders slowly and with plenty of space, as outlined in the Highway Code. Always be patient and cautious when overtaking horses.

3. What are the responsibilities of a driving instructor?
Driving instructors are responsible for teaching their students road safety and the rules of the road. They should also model respectful behavior to others on the road, including horse riders.

4. What should I do if I encounter an aggressive road user?
Stay calm and avoid escalating the situation. If necessary, report the behavior to the relevant authorities or the person’s employer.

5. How can I help promote road safety for horse riders?
Be aware of horse riders on the road, respect their space, and educate others about how to safely share the road with horses.

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