Animal accidents at all-time low (From Daily Echo)

Animal accidents in New Forest at all-time low

10:30am Thursday 17th January 2013 in News

ANIMAL accidents in the New Forest have dropped to an alltime low, it has been revealed.

Collisions involving ponies, cows and donkeys totalled 137 last year – the lowest figure since records began more than half a century ago.

Sixty-five animals were killed, reflecting a sharp downward trend that began in 2010.

A further 18 were injured – fewer than in any other year except 2003. Ten accidents occurred last month – less than half the number recorded in December 2011.

A series of hard-hitting campaigns aimed at persuading motorists to drive more carefully is thought to be one of the reasons for the fall.

Nigel Matthews, community and visitor services manager at the National Park Authority, said: “Many people are driving more cautiously, probably as a result of the awareness-raising initiatives developed in recent years. However, there are still far too many accidents occurring at night. Drivers should slow right down after dark.”