The law’s an ass, or is it a mule? Drivers are unsure what animals are reportable following a crash – AA Accident Assist
|
Eight out of 10 drivers knew collisions involving a horse
should be reported, but 46% didn't know about goats Road Traffic
Act 1988 identifies the eight animals that drivers must report on
“All animals are created equal, until they are involved in a car
crash” advises MD of AA Accident Assist More than two fifths of
drivers (46%1) are unaware of their requirement to contact the
police should they be...Request free
trial
More than two fifths of drivers (46%1) are unaware of their requirement to contact the police should they be involved in a collision with a goat, according to new insight from AA Accident Assist. Similarly, two in five were unaware of the legal requirement to report incidents involving pigs, mules and asses (donkeys). However, from responses by more than 13,000 drivers, eight out of 10 drivers knew that incidents involving horses must be reported to the police, alongside three quarters of drivers who also knew about dogs and cattle. The poll also reveals that British drivers believe the law asks them to report on other animals. Half believed they needed to report deer strikes, while a quarter said they needed to inform the police about incidents involving cats. Other animals drivers thought needed to be legally reported included; badgers (19%), beavers (15%), llamas (44%), red squirrels (10%) and hedgehogs (6%). Q. The Road Traffic Act 1988 states that drivers must stop and report a collision where damage is caused to an 'animal'. According to the Act, what is classified as an 'animal'? (13,481 responses) Highlighted fields determined 'animal' within the Ac
What the law says The law surrounding what is a reportable incident are clear. Rule 286 of The Highway Code2 says that any collision involving an animal should be reported and refers drivers to Section 170 of The Road Traffic Act 1988. It is in this section3 where the definition of animal is given as “horse, cattle, ass, mule, sheep, pig, goat or dog.” Incidents need to be reported to the police as soon as possible, or at least within 24 hours. In the past, there have been several requests for cats to be added to the list, but this was refused in 2022 with the Government arguing that the legislation was based on whether the animal could be defined as a ‘working animal' rather than a domestic pet4. The AA recommends that collisions involving an animal not specified within the Act should at the least be reported to the local roads' authority, especially if the animal has died or is on the carrageway. Similarly, notification of domestic pets, such as cats, should use local veterinary surgeries so owners could be told of their loss. Tim Rankin, managing director of AA Accident Assist, said; “All animals are created equal, until they are involved in a car crash. Then the law is very strict about what should and shouldn't be reported. “While there is often debate about what drivers should do to comply with the law, our affinity as a nation of animal lovers means nobody likes seeing roadkill on our streets. What is clear is that drivers are willing to consider reporting a wide range of animals if they have the misfortune to hit them. “Contacting the authority responsible for maintaining the road if they see a dead animal on the road is the least people can do. Similarly, hitting domestic pets not outlined within the law should be reported so owners can be informed.” ends NOTES TO EDITORS
170 Duty of driver to stop, report accident and give information or documents (1) This section applies in a case where, owing to the presence of a motor vehicle on a road, an accident occurs by which— (a) personal injury is caused to a person other than the driver of that motor vehicle, or (b) damage is caused— (i) to a vehicle other than that motor vehicle or a trailer drawn by that motor vehicle, or (ii )to an animal other than an animal in or on that motor vehicle or a trailer drawn by that motor vehicle, or (iii) to any other property constructed on, fixed to, growing in or otherwise forming part of the land on which the road in question is situated or land adjacent to such land. … (8) In this section “animal” means horse, cattle, ass, mule, sheep, pig, goat or dog. |