If you hit one of these animals you are required by law to report it to the police².

Is it illegal to hit a dog and drive off uk. But before going to the dog to see how they have fared remember to risk-assess the surrounding area and keep yourself safe at all times. If you are caught flashing your headlights for any other reason such as using them to warn others of a speed trap you could face a minimum of a 30 fine. File a claim with your insurance carrier most of whom cover repairs from animal damage in comprehensive policies.

You should not panic and drive off. In many places you are not even legally required to swerve out of the way since doing so could cause an accident. If you hit one of the above-mentioned animals you are required by law to report it to the police ².

The instinctive reaction for a dog owner passer by or responsible driver when a vehicle has hit a dog is to run into the road after the dog paying little mind to the surrounding traffic or other hazards. Although the driver could also be comparatively negligent if the driver could have done something to avoid the accident. Just like you would in an accident involving another vehicle you must stop.

Dogs goats horses cattle donkeys mules sheep and pigs. 223 - Using lights when riding an animal-drawn vehicle at night or in hazardous weather conditions. It is an offence to leave the scene of a vehicle accident.

Remember that you typically wont be held legally responsible for hitting a dog thats out on the road. Eating or drinking while driving. The law specifically states that any person who allows a dog to run onto a road off the lead is guilty of an offence.

The rules in detail. 289 - Driving on a nature strip. While youre advised to hit the animal if it means avoiding injury or death to yourself and others youre actually meant to contact the owner police or the RSPCA.