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Badgers and foxes most seen roadkill on UK roads in the
past year
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More than 1,750 claims made for hitting animals made to
AA Insurance in past three years
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Average cost of damage claim around £2,000
Three fifths (57%*) of drivers have taken evasive action to avoid
a collision with a wild animal on British roads, according to a
new study by AA Insurance.
The survey of more than 17,500 people found that most had to slam
on the brakes (41%), one in 25 had to swerve (4%) and more than
one in 10 had to brake and swerve to avoid hitting an animal
(12%).
Unfortunately, more than one in 20 (6%) could not avoid hitting a
wild animal, with Northern Ireland the most likely place for an
animal to appear out of nowhere (7%), followed by Scotland,
Yorkshire & Humberside, East Midlands, Eastern England and
the South West (all 6%).
Badgers, foxes and birds
Regrettably, the most common roadkill seen at the roadside by
half of drivers was a badger (51%), followed by foxes (48%) and
pheasants (38%).
Britain’s feathered friends contributed a rather upsetting
menagerie of roadkill which included rare breeds such as; Red
Kites, Kestrels, Hawks, Buzzards, Owls and other unidentifiable
Birds of Prey.
In further bad news for declining animals, a third (33%) of
people saw hedgehogs with three fifths of drivers in the North
East seeing a dead hedgehog on the road.
More than 750 drivers saw squashed squirrels, 20 drivers saw
sheep and two reported seen cows and even wild boars
Animal claims on the rise
According to figures from AA Insurance, the number of “hit wild
animal” claims has risen by 15% over a three-year period, with an
average damage claim value of £2,300. However, hitting larger
animals like deer has resulted in write-offs due to the levels of
damage caused.
Last month, the Department for Transport unveiled a new road
sign** advising drivers to look out for smaller animals which
often feature high on roadkill statistics.
Janet Connor, managing director for AA Insurance services says;
“Britain is blessed to have a variety of wild and wonderful
animals, but unfortunately too many are killed in collisions with
cars.
“Only 40% of drivers slow down and drive more vigilantly when
they see a warning sign. Signs can be an important indication of
a potential danger, and drivers should remember that hitting an
animal could be a dangerous and costly experience.
“While most drivers will be on the lookout for larger animals
like deer and badgers, smaller animals like rabbits, hedgehogs
and squirrels can cause damage too, as well as adversely affect
their population.
“We hope that the new small mammal warning sign revealed by the
Department for Transport last month means that drivers will slow
down and remember to look out for all creatures great and small.”
NOTES TO EDITORS
* Populus received 17,782 responses from AA members to its online
poll between 16th – 23rd July 2019. Populus is a member of the
British Polling Council and abides by its rules
** https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-road-sign-to-improve-road-safety-and-protect-animals
