Pony dies after being hurled over car's roof in collision after driver dazzled by headlights on B3078 Roger Penny Way
A PONY was killed in a crash with a car on a New Forest animal accident blackspot route after the driver was dazzled by oncoming headlights.
The incident took place on the B3078 Roger Penny Way at Godshill shortly after 10.30pm on Friday, with the force of impact writing off the vehicle and hurling the pony over its roof.
Alerted by the driver, police arrived to find both of the vehicle’s occupants unhurt, and the pony dead.
Posting on Facebook afterwards, local officers wrote: “Ringwood team dealing with collision on Roger Penny Way at Godshill last night after car travelling towards Cadnam was distracted by headlights of oncoming vehicle, collided with horse on road which went over roof, killing animal outright and writing off vehicle.
“Thankfully couple in car survived without any injuries due to modern car safety standards, however, outcome could easily have been very different.”
The incident prompted a reminder to motorists that New Forest animals can be hard to see, have right of way in the national park and are drawn to roads and verges.
“In this case the driver remained at the scene, reported immediately to police and correctly provided details to agister,” the post continued.
“Sadly not all drivers are like this with hit-and-run collisions leaving animals suffering.”
Sharing a picture of the damaged vehicle on Facebook, campaign group New Forest Roads Awareness asked motorists if it would change how they drive.
“Having spoken to the owner, we know how upset they are,” the group wrote.
“It's all about taking on board what we are saying... this can happen to you if you do not expect the unexpected.
“Some people may not like seeing this image, but it is the outcome, if you do not drive with care, across the New Forest. It could happen to me, it could happen to you. It could happen to anyone.”
Although speed was not reported to have been a factor, Friday’s collision came after police had carried out another crackdown on those exceeding the limit on Roger Penny Way and surrounding areas that morning.
Positioned outside Bramshaw Stores for an hour, officers stopped six offenders, five of whom were spoken to about why it is important to stick to the speed limit. One was handed a ticket for doing 42mph on a 30mph road.
Details on motorists’ responsibilities if involved in a collision with a New Forest animal are available from the Verderers at https://orlo.uk/Toy5k
The authority offers rewards of up to £5,000 for information leading to convictions of hit-and-run offenders.
