Police and a road safety awareness group have shared advice to motorists after a pony was fatally injured in a collision in the New Forest.
The pony was killed after it was struck by a car on 10 December on Roger Penny Way at Godshill.
Ringwood Police said drivers must exercise caution on rural roads and stressed that the free-roaming ponies that live on the National Park have right of way.
“[A] car travelling towards Cadnam was distracted by the headlights of an on-coming vehicle, collided with a horse on the road which went over the roof killing the animal outright and writing off the vehicle,” said a spokesman for the force.
Credit: Ringwood Police
“Thankfully the couple in the car survived without any injuries due to modern car safety standards, however the outcome could easily have been very different.
“New Forest animals can be hard to see, have right of way in the National Park and are drawn to roads and verges.
“No matter how experienced a driver, extra caution on rural road’s will reduce the risk and improve safety for all.”
The driver involved in the Godshill collision remained at the scene, reported it immediately to police and provided details to the agister.
“Sadly not all drivers are like this with hit and run collisions, leaving animals suffering,” the spokesman said.
New Forest Roads Awareness shared the above image of the pony’s body online, asking, “Will this change how you drive?”
“Some people may not like seeing this image, but it is the outcome if you do not drive with care across the New Forest,” a spokesman for the group said.
“It could happen to me, it could happen to you. It could happen to any one.”
For more information about a motorist’s responsibilities if they are involved in a collision visit The Verderers of the New Forest website.
The Vederers give rewards of up to £5,000 for information leading to convictions of motorists involved in hit and run collisions.
Police also advised using What Three Words to get help quickly, especially in rural locations, and allowing emergency services to know exactly where you are.
“Downloading the app takes seconds, which will save valuable hours and minutes later in life-critical incidents when you need help urgently,” added the spokesman.
Lead image credit: Ringwood Police
