World Animal Road Accident Awareness Day – 10 October
Every year, countless animals are killed or injured on our roads. World Animal Road Accident Awareness Day aims to raise awareness of this often-overlooked issue and encourage drivers and pet owners to take extra care around animals on or near the road.
At Cheltenham Animal Shelter, we sadly see the devastating consequences of road traffic accidents involving pets, particularly cats. Behind every injured or lost animal is a family facing heartbreak and uncertainty.
While not every accident can be prevented, there are things we can all do to reduce the risks.
The facts
Cats Matter is committed to raising awareness of animal road accidents and is the driving force behind Animal Road Accident Awareness Day. Research highlighted by the campaign suggests that 630 cats are injured in road accidents every day across the UK, with around 35% estimated to lose their lives because of the severity of their injuries. Some may survive if they receive prompt assistance.
Road accidents also take a devastating toll on wildlife. Estimates suggest that around 100,000 foxes, 50,000 badgers, 50,000 deer and 30 million birds are killed on UK roads each year. Hedgehogs are also particularly vulnerable, with road traffic contributing to the significant decline in their numbers.
The true number of animals killed on UK roads is difficult to establish, as many incidents go unreported or undetected. Some estimates put the figure as high as 70 million animals each year. Highways England recorded 2,143 dead animals across around 4,300 miles of road, highlighting how difficult it is to capture the full scale of the problem.
When are animals most at risk?
Animal road accidents are particularly common during autumn, when mating and hunting seasons can make wildlife more active. Deer, in particular, are more likely to venture across roads at this time of year.
If you see one deer crossing the road, slow down and expect others to follow – deer rarely travel alone.
Many animals are also most active around dawn, dusk and during the night, particularly nocturnal and crepuscular species. Reduced visibility at these times can increase the risk of collisions.
What to do if you are involved in a road accident with an animal
Under the Road Traffic Act 1988, drivers must stop and report an accident to the police if they hit certain animals, including dogs, horses, cattle, pigs, goats, sheep, donkeys and mules.
There is currently no legal requirement to report every animal killed or injured on the road. However, if a domestic animal such as a cat is involved, drivers are encouraged to try to identify and contact the owner.
Sadly, it is estimated that around 30% of cats involved in road accidents are victims of hit-and-run incidents, where the driver fails to stop.
If you are involved in an accident with an animal:
- Put safety first. If it is safe to do so, move yourself and the animal out of the path of traffic and make the area safe.
- Approach with caution. Injured or frightened animals, particularly wildlife, may behave unpredictably or defensively.
- Keep domestic animals calm and warm. Don’t offer food or water, as this could interfere with veterinary treatment.
- Record what happened. If safe, take photographs of the location, road and weather conditions, the animal, your vehicle and any injuries or damage.
- Speak to witnesses. Take their contact details in case the police or your insurer need further information.
- Get help. Contact the appropriate authorities or, where safe and practical, take an injured domestic animal to a veterinary practice.
If you find an injured or deceased animal, don’t assume someone else will report it. A Microchip Scan Angel may be able to scan a domestic animal and help identify its owner, where a volunteer is available.
You can also contact your local council for advice, particularly about deceased wildlife or animals that need to be safely removed.
For veterinary care, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons’ Find a Vet service can help you locate a veterinary practice, including emergency services.
How can we help prevent accidents?
If you’re driving
- Slow down and stay alert, particularly in areas where animals are known to be present.
- Take extra care at dawn, dusk and during the night, when many animals are most active.
- Be particularly cautious during autumn, when wildlife such as deer can be more active.
- If you see one deer cross the road, slow down and expect more to follow.
- Look out for wildlife warning signs and take extra care on rural or wooded roads.
- Avoid distractions and keep your eyes on the road.
- Give animals time and space to cross. A few extra seconds of patience could save a life.
If you’re a pet owner
- Make your pets visible. High-visibility coats, collars and harnesses can help drivers see dogs and other animals, particularly in poor weather or low light. Flashing or illuminated collars can improve visibility after dark.
- Choose safer walking routes. Where possible, avoid busy roads without pavements and use designated crossings. Keep dogs on a lead and under control close to traffic.
- Keep smaller animals secure. Always use a secure carrier when taking cats or other small animals to the car. Never carry them loose, as they could escape into the road.
- Microchip your pets and keep your contact details up to date, so they can be identified and reunited with you if they become lost or are involved in an accident.
- Consider pet insurance. Appropriate insurance can provide financial support for unexpected veterinary costs resulting from accidents, injuries and illness, depending on your policy.
What is Cheltenham Animal Shelter doing to help?
Road safety is an important consideration whenever we rehome one of our animals. As part of our assessment process, we consider potential dangers in an adopter’s home and surrounding area and whether these could pose a risk to the animal.
For example, we may consider whether an outdoor cat is suitable for a home close to a particularly busy road, or whether a garden has secure gates and fencing to prevent a dog escaping into traffic.
We also talk to new adopters about keeping their pets safe. This may include keeping dogs on a lead when walking near busy roads or, where appropriate, keeping cats indoors if roaming outdoors would put them at significant risk.
All our pets are microchipped and registered to their new owner before they leave the Shelter, and our dogs also leave with an identification tag on their collar.
By considering road safety when rehoming our animals and helping adopters understand the risks, we can all play a part in keeping pets safe.
Together, we can help reduce the number of animals injured or killed on our roads.
