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Now that the Tucson Police Department has finished its investigation, we expect to see major operational changes in the way the annual rodeo parade is conducted.

Based on accidents in the last two years, the rodeo parade, this city's signature tourist event, should be vigorously scrutinized to avoid future tragedy.

The parade, billed as the nation's longest nonmechanized parade, was marked by a serious accident last year and the tragic death of a 5-year-old last month.

Last year's upset left Beth Walkup, Mayor Bob Walkup's wife, with painful injuries. This year, horses pulling a wagon ran out of control and killed a young cowgirl, 5-year-old Brielle Boisvert of Sonoita.

The police report maintains that the two horses pulling the wagon that ran into Brielle's horse had been spooked by a woman dressed in a Victorian costume. The woman tried to cross the street as the horses came through and, police believe, her attire spooked them.

When horses get scared, they run. In this case, the man driving the wagon couldn't bring the horses under control quickly enough to keep them from careening into Brielle's horse.

The police report should be regarded as the beginning of an investigation, not its conclusion. It raised far too many issues to be seen as the final word.

It is essential that the Rodeo Parade Committee proceed methodically and thoroughly with steps that can limit the possibility of future accidents.

Education can make an enormous difference. For instance, it would be useful if parade organizers launched a campaign prior to the parade — it wouldn't hurt to hand out leaflets, for example — telling spectators some of the basics of equine behavior. The leaflet can be written in an entertaining and engaging style, but should include important information.

For example, spectators can be told that horses have acute hearing. Their ears can turn 180 degrees, and they can hear a wider range of sounds, which makes it possible for them to detect sounds before a human hears them. Loud sounds, like a punctured balloon, can scare them.

Spectators should know what a typical horse weighs, and what kinds of motions spook them. Experienced riders know enough not to wave a hat alongside a horse's head because the motion will spook the animal. This is information that would also be useful to spectators and marchers.

Rodeo organizers must also educate themselves and the parade participants, making sure that wagon drivers have experience with the horses they are driving. When there is a strong bond between driver and horse, the horse is more likely to respond to cues and commands.

More attention should also be given to the space between marching or mounted units in the parade. For safety's sake, marshals must see to it that a wide interval is always maintained.

A rodeo parade is a light and entertaining event, but horses can be lethal, as witnessed at last month's parade.

When dealing with safety precautions, there is no substitute for experience. Parade organizers must be certain that anyone riding a horse or driving a wagon has a solid understanding of equine behavior and the ability to apply that knowledge in an emergency.