Dealing with animals on the road

Encountering animals on the road can be dangerous. Whether it is a flock of sheep, a single horse and rider, or a wandering pet, animals are unpredictable and easily startled.

Meeting sheep and other wandering stock

When you are driving on rural roads, be aware that you could encounter stock at any time. Watch for signs such as broken fences, open farm gates or droppings on the road. These may indicate the presence of wandering stock - reduce your speed and be ready to stop.

Farmers often use rural roads to move animals between paddocks, or graze stock at the side of the road. If there are animals on the road or roadside, you should:

• slow down, or pull over to the side of the road
• not sound your horn or rev your engine, and
• follow any directions the farmer gives you.

How to drive when you come across a horse

Horses can't be treated as simply another vehicle to be overtaken - they can frighten easily, behave unpredictably and move into the road very quickly. The average horse weighs 450 kg - a collision with a car can kill the horse, its rider and those in the vehicle.

Adjust your driving when horses are on the road:

• pass carefully slow down and give the horse plenty of room, especially on bridges or narrow roads.
• don't sound your horn or rev your engine - horses have very good hearing and are easily alarmed by loud, unexpected noises.
• stop if the horse appears frightened.
• dip your headlights at night.

What to do about accidents with animals

If you injure a domestic or farm animal on the road, you must tell the animal's owner as soon as possible (no more than 48 hours after the accident). If you are unable to contact or identify the owner, you must report the accident to the nearest police station or to an enforcement officer as soon as possible (no more than 60 hours after the accident).

For further information, refer to The official New Zealand Road Code.

Last updated: 4 May 2007