Staycation boom drives 54% increase in wildlife fatalities on UK roads
11/17/2021
An increase in staycations takes its toll on Britain’s wildlife with the number of animals killed or injured on roads exceeding pre-pandemic levels, new figures suggest.
The number of animals hit by vehicles between June and August this year jumped 54% compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
The figure, based on analysis of motor claims data by the insurer Zurich, comes as foreign travel restrictions saw millions of people take domestic breaks, instead of heading overseas.
According to Zurich’s data, vehicle accidents involving animals plummeted by a quarter (25%) in 2020 as lockdowns forced traffic off the country’s roads and motorways.
But as restrictions eased, incidents recorded between January and September increased 38% against the same period in 2020, and 11% on 2019.
Phil Ost, Zurich’s Head of Personal Lines, said: “Overseas travel curbs have had a knock-on impact on Britain’s wildlife. With more of us holidaying on home soil, and higher traffic volumes on the roads, the risk of hitting an animal has increased.
“Summer saw a significant spike in animals killed or injured as more holidaymakers ventured into rural areas and other beauty spots. Animals could also have grown used to quieter roads during lockdown, contributing to the increase.
“Collisions with animals now exceed pre-pandemic levels, and with ongoing uncertainty about overseas travel, this could be a trend we see continue into next year.”
Based on accidents that result in insurance claims alone, Zurich estimates 88 animals a day are struck by vehicles across Britain’s highways – equivalent to almost 32,000 every year. The true number is likely to be considerably higher.
Zurich calculates the insurance industry pays out £63.8million a year to help customers repair damage to vehicles caused by animal accidents. The average cost of damage is £2,400, with claims ranging from small dents and cracked windscreens, to total vehicle write-offs.
Insurance claims figures show motorists are at greatest risk of hitting a deer, making up 61% of collision claims. These are followed by pheasants (11%), badgers (8%), birds (7%) and foxes (5%). Other animals (8%) responsible for claims include rabbits, horses and dogs.
According to Zurich’s data, the highest number of animal road causalities are recorded in October.
Ost said: “October and November can be particularly dangerous for deer, who are more likely to stray onto highways during these months, and this in turn creates more risk to humans.
“Be extra vigilant driving near forested areas, especially at dawn and dusk when deer are more active. Keep a lookout for road warning signs that indicate animals are nearby and, when safe to do so, use full beams at night to increase visibility on the road.
“It may warrant motorists in electric cars to take extra caution, as engines tend to be quieter and give animals less time to react to an approaching vehicle.”
Animal collisions are as much a danger to humans as wildlife, Zurich said. According to the British Deer Society, “several people” are killed on roads each year after hitting deer.
Zurich has made free counselling available to motorists involved in crashes with animals. Under its claims support, customers and their immediate family members aged over 18 can access five free counselling sessions with a qualified mental health specialist. The service is available across all claims submitted by Zurich customers, from victims of theft to flooding.
Ost said: “Being involved in a collision with an animal – especially larger ones - can be a traumatic experience, and also result in serious injuries for motorists and their passengers. Our free counselling service is there for anyone who wants extra support.”
What to do if you hit an animal
- Under the Road Traffic Act, motorists involved in accident with a dog or farm animal must report it to the police.
- If you hit a large animal – such as a deer - and it’s obstructing the road, report it to the police
- Call the RSPCA’s 24-hour emergency line (0300 1234 999) if the animal is injured. Be cautious approaching an injured animal, as it might scratch or bite
- If your car is damaged, record the evidence, seek details from any witnesses, and report it to your insurer
Tips to avoid animals in the road
- Stay alert – pay attention to road signs that indicate animals nearby
- Use your high beams – use your high beams to illuminate dark road, where it is safe to do so
- Remember peak times – animals are more active at dawn and dusk
- Be traffic aware – try not to suddenly swerve as a collision with oncoming traffic could be even more disastrous, and watch for other cars behind you when braking
