Animal accidents

The New Forest National Park Authority works closely with partners such as the Verderers, New Forest District Council, Hampshire County Council and the Forestry Commission to make everyone aware of the risk of animal accidents in the National Park and to reduce the number of accidents.  

In spite of the rise in traffic volume, the number of animal accidents has not increased dramatically in recent years – and for that we would like to say well done and thank you to the majority of careful drivers.

Nevertheless the average annual figure for animal accidents is over 100, which the National Park Authority believes to be too high.

The open landscape of the New Forest where ponies, cattle, donkeys and pigs roam free is one of the distinctive special qualities of the National Park.  There are few areas in England, especially in the busy and developed south, where drivers may come face-to-face with animals on the main roads as well as the minor ones and so special care is required to prevent accidents.

The 40mph speed limits are there for a reason: the animals can be difficult to see and they have little road-sense.  Animals have right of way over vehicles and it is the driver’s responsibility to slow down and give way to them.  Most accidents happen when it is dark and involve local drivers.  Great care is required – even driving at 40 mph may be too fast in some circumstances on winding narrow roads with oncoming lights.

The National Park Authority wants people to understand, respect and enjoy this special quality of the National Park: understand that animals have right of way and can be on the road day or night; slow down and discover a different way of life within the National Park.

And remember that the risk is not just to the animals but to drivers, their passengers and their vehicles too.  Drive safely in the National Park, for everyone’s sake.

For more information on animal accidents vist the campaigns pages