Reports detail a sharp increase in animal deaths on New Forest roads, highlighting driver carelessness plus low visibility.
The driver told New Forest Roads Awareness about it. This was the 21st animal crash this year, a number which is causing great concern due to how many accidents are happening.
A spokesperson mentioned the rising number of crashes. Last year at this time, there were only eight, including one donkey death. This year’s number is way higher than last year.
Speed isn’t the only problem, apparently. Drivers need to watch for animals; some drivers are too relaxed and think crashes won’t happen to them.
Fog made things worse recently. Many people drove without headlights, and could not see the road. This made the situation far more dangerous.
They want people to be more careful and to remember livestock every time they cross cattle grids. Signs are near all cattle grids as a reminder, prompting drivers to watch out on all major roads.
Drivers should be careful, the spokesperson added, and not always drive the speed limit. Reduce your speed if visibility is low; can you see the road clearly?
They stressed that everyone wants to arrive safely. Nobody wants an animal through the windscreen. Farm animals always have the right of way there, so drive with caution.