Millions of British drivers are potentially breaking the law by failing to report collisions with animals within the required 24-hour timeframe, according to recent research.
Widespread Confusion Over Animal Reporting Rules
A comprehensive poll of 13,000 road users conducted before Christmas revealed significant gaps in drivers' knowledge about their legal obligations. The study found that almost half of all drivers are unaware they need to contact police if involved in a collision with a goat.
Further confusion exists around other animals, with two in five drivers not knowing that incidents involving pigs, mules and donkeys also require police notification. While eight out of ten drivers correctly identified that horse collisions must be reported, and three quarters knew about dogs and cattle, many motorists mistakenly believed the law required reporting accidents with other animals.
The Legal Requirements Explained
Rule 286 of the Highway Code clearly states that any collision involving an animal should be reported, directing drivers to Section 170 of The Road Traffic Act 1988. This legislation specifically defines which animals fall under reporting requirements, listing them as: "horse, cattle, ass, mule, sheep, pig, goat or dog."
The law mandates that incidents involving these animals must be reported to police as soon as possible, or at least within 24 hours. Despite this clear guidance, many drivers remain uncertain about their responsibilities.
Expert Insight and Public Response
Tim Rankin, managing director of AA Accident Assist, commented on the findings: "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."
He added: "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."
The research also highlighted that half of drivers believed they needed to report deer strikes, while a quarter thought collisions with cats required police notification, demonstrating the extent of misunderstanding among road users.
Rankin concluded with practical advice: "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."
