Post Office counts the cost of wild animal accidents
Post Office Car Insurance is advising UK drivers to take extra care on the roads as we enter a peak period of wild animal related accidents.Every year an estimated one million animals, including deer, foxes, badgers, otters and squirrels, are killed on UK roads. However, the costs for repairs to motor vehicles involved in deer collisions alone are estimated to be a staggering £17m.
Richard Pennant-Jones, Post Office Head of Motor Insurance said: “Drivers are often unsure about what they should do if they hit an animal on the road, especially as motor insurance companies do not require policyholders to report accidents involving wild animals. However, Post Office Car Insurance is urging drivers to report any collisions to wild life charities so measures can be taken to help reduce accident levels.”
Post Office Car Insurance is due to launch a service where drivers can report accidents involving animals to The Deer Initiative through an online microsite.
Post Office Car Insurance Advice
The Post Office Car Insurance has produced the following tips for motorists on how to avoid animal collisions and what to do if your vehicle is involved in an animal accident:
Be extra vigilant at night and during dusk and dawn, as this is when deer, badgers, foxes, hedgehogs and owls are the most active
Many areas have wildlife warning signs – take extra care when you see one, they are there to protect you as well as the wild animals
Animals react differently when they are caught in car headlights - deer may freeze when caught in full headlights. If you see an animal ahead, slow down to give it time to move off the road
If a deer crosses in front of you slow down – they often travel in groups so several more may be about to cross
Avoid sudden breaking and don’t overswerve to avoid animals – this might lead to a worse accident
If you are unable to avoid an animal and an accident happens, find a safe place to pull over and if it’s safe to do so, check to see if the animal can be helped. If the animal is still alive then phone the RSPCA emergency helpline on 0300 123 4999
While you’re waiting for help to arrive throw a blanket over the animal to try to keep it warm; covering its head can help reduce stress and may help it survive
Do not attempt to handle an injured deer, fox, badger or bird as it could inflict serious injuries to a human in its distressed state
If the animal is dead and it’s safe to do so, move it away from the road so it doesn’t attract other wildlife.
Although there is no legal obligation to report an accident involving a wild animal, The Deer Initiative NDVC project (deercollisions.co.uk) monitors deer-related road accidents and wants the public to report any deer related collisions. This information will assist it in its work to reduce accident levels. Also, recording animals killed on the roads can help monitor the habitat and populations levels of some important UK mammals. To find out more or get involved with the PTES ‘Mammals on the Roads’ survey go to ptes.org.
For more information on Post Office Car Insurance visit postoffice.co.uk.