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A Look Into Auto
Accidents Caused by
Straying Livestock in
Australia
DIRECT TRADES
SUPPLY
Address: 123 Kelvin
Road, Maddington
Western Australia 6109
Contact Number: 08
9452 0166
E-mail:
info@dtswa.com.au
Animals walking down the road are a common thing in Australia. With the
prevalence of wildlife in the country, most drivers have to double check the
roads before going full speed.
However, there are instances where livestock would find their way on the
road, causing accidents. In fact, there are many cases of auto accidents due
to straying livestock.
The problem with straying livestock
The Road Traffic Accident Statistics revealed there were 127 road accidents
involving motor vehicles and straying livestock in 1965. Among these
accidents, 16 occurred within the metropolitan area and the rest in other
areas.
In addition, the Western Australian Pastoralists and Graziers Association
and Main Roads WA conducted a study in 2011 to determine the accidents
caused by livestock. They found that among auto accidents recorded, 28
were due to cattle, 280 from horses, 383 caused by kangaroos and 279
from unknown causes. Despite the variety, the fact remains that a huge
number of accidents are due to farm animals.
Liability Issues
What is equally baffling for livestock owners and car owners is the
ambiguity of laws surrounding liability for livestock-related auto
accidents. There are people who argue that anyone who is into animal
husbandry is responsible for ensuring animals do not become a public
hazard.
On the other hand, the English common law (Searle v Wallbank)
implied that owners are not liable for non-dangerous animals that
escape and cause injury to travellers. In addition, people who live in a
land adjoining a highway are under no legal obligation to install or
maintain fences to prevent animals from straying.
Solutions
As there are no straightforward solutions to livestock-related auto
accidents, interest groups propose alternatives like changes in
legislation. They advise people living near highways to construct and
reinforce fences with steel posts for the safety of drivers and the
livestock.
[INSERT IMAGE HERE]
Interest groups encourage livestock owners to share the cost of
fencing, as well. However, the considerable prices of fencing
prevents them from making progress.
Liability issues and lack of fencing solutions for agricultural animals
continue to be a problem in most areas. As such, auto accidents due
to straying livestock may still go up.
Sources:
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-06-10/should-pastoralists-pay-
damages-if-cars-hit-their-cattle/5513452
http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/journals/UWALawRw/1966/19.pdf
http://www.dtswa.com.au/shop/Rural-Fencing/Steel-Posts
http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/explore/ResearchPubl
ications/ResearchBriefs/2010/eRBR201010.PDF
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