Ponies vs Drivers: New Forest’s Fresh Bid to Dodge Deadly Crashes
In the misty lanes of the New Forest, where free-roaming ponies dodge headlights like pros, a grim tally is mounting: over 60 animal crashes this year alone, leaving 36 creatures killed or maimed. Most pile-ups strike in the gloom of winter, when dark nights and drizzle turn drives into dicey bets.
But a fresh campaign from the New Forest Commoners Defence Association (CDA) wants to flip the script, relaunching their Drive Safe initiative to school drivers on sharing the road properly.
Picture this: just last month, a pony near Beaulieu ploughed through a car’s windscreen in a heart-stopper of an accident. Gilly Jones from New Forest Roads Awareness, who helped kick off the campaign, doesn’t mince words.
“There might just be a human fatal,” she says, nodding to how close calls could turn tragic. Teaming up with Forestry England and the New Forest National Park Authority, the CDA is targeting businesses whose staff zip through the forest daily.
Aftermath of collision near Beaulieu (Gilly Jones)
The pitch? Sign up for free and commit to six simple pledges that could save lives, furry and otherwise.
It’s straightforward stuff. Firms promise to brief new hires on pony perils during inductions, hand out emergency hotline cards, and even slap “I go slow for ponies” stickers on work vans. They’ll get seasonal tips via email blasts and a shout-out on the campaign site for being part of the fix.
Andrew Parry-Norton, CDA chair, reckons it’s a win for all sizes of outfits. “From sole traders to big players, everyone’s got a role in keeping our livestock safe,” he notes.
Forestry England’s Charlotte Belcher chimes in too: pass animals wide and slow, she advises, to avoid spooks that send them bolting. With clocks ticking back this weekend, the timing couldn’t be sharper. Already, social feeds buzz with dashcam clips of near-misses, fuelling calls for change.
The Drive Safe relaunch isn’t just talk; it’s backed by a slick advice leaflet for drivers and a quick sign-up form on the CDA site. Perks include less vehicle damage for companies and a healthier forest for everyone.
Local traders are dipping toes in, eyeing the chance to badge themselves as animal-friendly. If it catches on, those winter stats might finally start shrinking.
For now, as leaves crunch under tyres, one thing’s clear: in the New Forest, braking for beasts isn’t optional. It’s the neighbourly nod that keeps the peace.
Read more: New campaign aims to cut animal accidents in New Forest – https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/25573144.new-campaign-aims-cut-animal-accidents-new-forest/