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Press releasesCHANCE MEETING THAT COULD COST YOU DEAR!With the onset of autumn and winter, the increased loss of life on our roads is not confined to humans. One of the UK’s leading breakdown services Autonational Rescue, although concerned predominantly with the welfare of motorists, is highlighting the growing number of animals killed on the road and the potential damage to vehicles and the loss of live or injury collisions with wildlife can cause. They point out, the larger the animal, the bigger the potential for vehicle damage or human injury. With nights drawing in, the biggest, and largely unrecognised danger in more rural areas at this time of year is from deer. An estimated 30,000 to 50,000 were killed on our roads last year in accidents which, according to recent figures, also resulted in 250 human injuries and ten fatalities, not to mention, £11 million in damage to vehicles. Said Autonational’s marketing manager Ronan Hart: “It appears to be a danger the public is oblivious to. “Drivers appear to think deer warning signs are erected at random and the chances of meeting a deer are remote. “But the facts are they are only positioned where there is recorded evidence of deer crossings, and with the UK’s deer population exceeding one million, the chance meeting is not as unlikely as people might think. “Consequently drivers are advised to take note of deer warning signs by driving with extreme caution at or below the posted speed limit.” /more The majority of deer related traffic collisions occur from October to December. During these months in particular highest risk periods are from sunset to midnight followed by the hours shortly dawn. Further advice to motorists is, after dark, in unlit areas use full beam when there is no approaching traffic. The headlight beam will reflect in the eyes of any deer on or near the road and give the driver greater reaction time. However, once a deer, or any other wildlife, is observed, dim the headlights to avoid the animal being startled and ‘freezing’ in the road. Although contrary to natural instinct, the advice is, don’t swerve to avoid hitting the animal. If a collision is inevitable, maintain full control of your vehicle as the alternative to swerving into oncoming traffic or off the road could be even worse. Brake sharply only if there is no danger of being hit by following traffic and try to come to a halt as far in front of the animal as possible to allow it to leave the road without panicking. Finally, although there is no legal requirement to report collisions with non-domestic animals unless human injuries occur, a call to the police is strongly recommended, especially if the collision has resulted in an injured animal by the roadside or a carcass in the path of other traffic. Autonational’s marketing manager added: “It’s an increasingly sad sight on our roads of dead deer, badgers, and a whole variety of wildlife. The overriding message is be aware of and slow down for wildlife. A little extra caution can save their lives, and perhaps even yours.” Ends For more information about Autonational Rescue, the car breakdown service with the no claims bonus, call 07000 999 911 Issued by CPR Works |
