Drivers who fail to report a road accident involving specific animals face severe penalties, with cats not among the required reports. With spring in full swing and an increase in animals on the roads, a recent study by dash cam company Nextbase reveals that nearly half of UK drivers are unaware of the animals they must report if hit. According to the Road Traffic Act, drivers must report collisions with certain animals, with potential consequences including a £5,000 fine, penalty points, and even imprisonment.
Surprisingly, a significant portion of drivers are uncertain about which animals must be reported if hit. Findings show that 37% are unaware that hitting a horse must be reported, 42% do not know they need to report an injured dog, 56% would not report hitting a sheep, and 75% would overlook hitting a pig.
Furthermore, 13% of drivers were unaware that reporting any animal collision is mandatory. When questioned about how they would react if an animal suddenly darted onto the road at 40mph, a quarter admitted they would swerve to avoid the animal, a risky move that could lead to a serious accident.
The danger extends beyond animals outside the vehicle, with the arrival of warmer weather also bringing out wasps in full force. When asked how they would handle a wasp entering their vehicle on a motorway, only 35% stated they would slow down and pull over safely, the recommended course of action. Conversely, nearly two-thirds of drivers would be left vulnerable, with one in three admitting they would ignore the wasp and continue driving, and 18% attempting to remove it without stopping.
Bryn Brooker, Head of Road Safety at Nextbase, emphasized the surge in animal encounters during spring and summer, highlighting the lack of awareness among drivers regarding legal reporting requirements. He cautioned against the instinct to swerve, stressing that sudden steering corrections at speed are more likely to cause accidents than the animals themselves. Brooker advised drivers to remain calm, brake firmly in a straight line, and pull over safely when encountering animals on the road.
It is essential to report collisions with dogs, horses, cattle, pigs, goats, sheep, donkeys, and mules to the police if they occur on the road. Nextbase offers guidance on safely navigating encounters with animals while driving on the road.