Collisions with Animals

Collisions with Animals

I wanted to provide you with an update regarding Road Safety Issues, which people around your area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the priority survey.

Sheep on the moors are part of what makes North Yorkshire special, but sadly we've recently had several incidents where drivers have collided with sheep and then driven away.

We know these incidents aren't always avoidable, especially on moorland roads where visibility can change quickly and animals can appear unexpectedly. However, if you hit a sheep, you must stop and report it. Leaving the scene can mean an animal is left injured and suffering, and it may also create a danger for other road users.

If you're driving across the moors, please take extra care:

Slow down and expect to see livestock on or near the road.
Be especially cautious at dawn, dusk and in poor weather.
Keep your eyes up and scan ahead for animals.
If you're involved in a collision with livestock, stop and report it.

If you've witnessed a collision involving sheep on the moors, or have dashcam footage that could help, please get in touch with North Yorkshire Police.

Let's all do our bit to keep our roads safer for everyone, including the livestock that share them.

If you ever experience this issue or have information regarding an incident, please report it using our online reporting tools at https://www.northyorkshire.police.uk, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101. 

Alternatively, you can stay 100 per cent anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.

Get Involved

Please consider getting involved and contribute to the local priority survey, we may be unaware of issues that you would like us to focus on.  Take a few minutes to securely and privately register and have your say using the button below, this will mean we can focus on things that matter to you. 

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