Avoiding Crashes That Involve Animals On Rural Roads

The most common animal involved in this type of incident are sheep and deer

. Incidents occur as drivers attempt to avoid striking the animal by quickly steering away from it. It is recommended that workers involved in herding animals do so only during daylight hours as most incidents take place at night. During lambing season new warning signs are being placed to forewarn motorists of any potential danger ahead.

Most driving instructors will teach in a city. Large population numbers secure a level of potential pupils sufficient to run the business. Many dangers such as those involving animals will seem obscure to learner drivers unless they come from a rural background though many incidents can occur on stretches of motorway as animals from nearby fields stray onto the road. Accidents involving domestic pets such as dogs not kept on a lead do happen in the city. Learners need to be taught what to look for regarding animals. I ran over a cat once and it was not very pleasant. Scan underneath parked cars and look for evidence of any activity that indicates the presence of animals. If someone is walking a dog near the road check mirrors and ease off the gas so you will have more room to stop should the owner lose control of the animal and allow it to run into the road. The urban fox is an ever more common sight and tends to be seen near dual carriageways which run around the outskirts of a city. Vehicle speeds are higher so be sure to check well ahead towards the edge of the road and use full beam headlights if possible.

A lesson of longer duration could be worth doing which would give enough time to reach a country road. On advanced tests these roads are included especially when they run close to a horse stables. I have encountered an incident involving horses on one such test and it can be scary. Sight lines are restricted especially in summer on bends as hedges and trees obscure warning signs and animal activity. If someone is encountered herding animals then come to a complete stop and let them pass.

Danger can come from animals inside the vehicle if domestic animals are not properly restrained. How often do we see people driving along with a dog that has it's head sticking out of the passenger window?. The dog may enjoy this but is vulnerable to injury from stones or debris thrown up by the wheels and from cars passing closely in the other direction. Any animal loose in the vehicle can be a dangerous distraction. Always keep animals in a belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard.

by: Russ Chaplin

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