Post Office Insurance counts the cost of animal encounters

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Post Office Insurance counts the cost of animal encounters

Thu 6th Mar 2008

New research from Post Office Insurance has revealed that the cost to both nature and bank accounts of collisions between cars and animals can be significant.

An estimated one million animals, including deer, foxes, badgers, otters and squirrels are killed on UK roads every year, while the costs to repair motor vehicles involved in deer collisions alone add up to around £17 million.

The Post Office has therefore come up with a number of hints and tips on how to avoid hitting an animal while driving, including being extra vigilant at night and during dawn and dusk, as this is when many animals are at their most active.

It also recommends avoiding sudden braking or swerving when encountering animals, driving slowly and calling the RSPCA emergency line if you think you may have hit something.

"Drivers are often unsure about what they should do if they hit an animal on the road, especially as motor insurance companies do not require policyholders to report accidents involving wild animals," Richard Pennant-Jones, Post Office head of motor insurance, said.

He is urging drivers to report any collisions to wildlife charities, so they can monitor accident levels and take measures to reduce them.

Last month the company's insurance department reminded skiers to check that their policy covers them for off-piste skiing, particularly as there is an increased risk of avalanches this winter.

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