Avoiding animals on the road

Hundreds of thousands of animals are killed on UK roads every year but by taking extra care, you can help to avoid this.

• Always follow speed limits.
• Reduce your speed when you’re travelling on country roads, especially during dawn, dusk and in the first few hours of darkness.
• Keep in mind that where there is one animal, there may be more.
• Look out for wildlife warning signs.
• If you have the road to yourself, using your high beam can help you to spot animals on the road much quicker.
• If you have enough distance, and there aren’t other drivers on the road, you can beep your horn to try and get the animal to move out of the road.
• Try not to panic and remember swerving is not always the best option.
• If you come across a herd of animals in the road, you should switch off your engine and wait until they have moved.
• Slow right down if you are passing horse-riders to avoid startling the animal/s.

• If you hit an animal while driving you must always stop your vehicle. Turn off the engine and put your hazards on to warn other road users.
• Report the incident to the police if you hit any of the following animals: cattle, horses, dogs, pigs, goats, sheep, donkeys. This is a legal requirement.
• Check whether the animal is injured by watching it from a safe distance as an injured animal can become aggressive. Always approach them with caution and only if necessary.
• If the animal is injured you can call the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.
• Always wait until the police or animal charity arrives to give them your details.
• If the animal is dead, report it to your local council.