Animal Road Accident Awareness Day
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When is Animal Road Accident Awareness Day observed?
Animal Road Accident Awareness Day is mainly observed in the UK, but it also advocates for animals that die from car accidents all over the world.
Who observes Animal Road Accident Awareness Day?
Animal Road Accident Awareness Day is observed by those who genuinely feel that every animal deserves a good life and that more care should be taken to avoid casualties of domestic pets and wildlife casualties on roads.
It can also be observed by animal-loving drivers who think that animals should have the dignity to live without being killed in millions every year due to people who aren't careful.
When did Animal Road Accident Awareness Day start?
The Animal Road Accident Awareness Day was first held on Oct. 10, 2020.
Who started Animal Road Accident Awareness Day?
Animal Road Accident Awareness Day was initiated by 'CatsMatter,' an organization dedicated to changing laws in the UK regarding the safety of animals on the road along with the ways casualties of animals are treated. Everything started with a cat named Henry being hit by a car and left to die alone on the road without any care.
Even the brand color of 'CatsMatter' represents the fur of Henry, who belongs to the co-founder Tiya Ivy.
History And Timeline
Most people who have been near vehicles have known about roadkill for a long time. In a world where we cannot survive without the assistance of vehicles like cars and trucks, the lives of animals are often left to be compromised.
Every year, the human-animal conflict gets more dangerous due to our careless nature while dealing with wildlife. Highways and cutting-edge motorways are being built worldwide, but somehow we haven't been able to sort out a problem like the death of animals due to vehicular accidents.
So yes, we would like to think that the number is low, but a single country like the US manages to kill about a million vertebrate animals every year.
Leaving aside the wildlife, even domestic pets or stray animals in cities, pose the threat of being injured or killed by cars or trucks. So, let's look at the history of this problem.
Addressing Roadkill From Vehicles
The phenomenon of roadkill came into being when cars got more speed. Joseph Grinnell, a biologist, was the first to note roadkill as a cause of fatality in animals, especially in California. He stated the number to be anywhere from a hundred to a thousand in 24 hours.
1920Law For Reporting Roadkill
The Road Traffic Act 1988 included the clause of reporting to the police about any animal that a person might have hit with their car. However, this law wasn't made obligatory for the driver to do so, and hence most don't care to report.
1989Installation Of Bat Structure
The first-ever bat structure was installed in the UK on road A66, present in Northern England. The scheme name for the project was 'Stainburn and Great Clifton Bypass,' and it's a single three-lane carriageway. This structure has the usual height and length of a gantry.
2002Roadkill Observation System
One of the best ways to report roadkill is to let people report the incidents, and so since 2009, certain states of the US have encouraged citizens to report any roadkill that they might have come across. The observers can upload the data on the specified website.
2009Start Of Project Splatter
Cardiff University, in the UK, started an initiative to study the impact that roads and motoring had on British wildlife. Since then, the students of the university have been active on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter to gather data.
2012Traditions And Customs
Animal Road Accident Awareness Day doesn't really have traditions and customs as a freshly formed event. But, the main initiator, 'CatsMatter,' works with other organizations and wildlife rescue bodies that deal with similar problems.
They even advocate for the right ways to deal with animal deaths and avoid accidents. On top of that, the organization also collects funds to help out local wildlife rescue centers or other bodies that might be struggling to keep up with the cost needed to rehabilitate wildlife.
However, the most important thing that matters is advocacy for policy changes to drive it in a direction where humans connect to the human emotion of others regarding animal deaths due to vehicle accidents. This includes nudging the government about improving infrastructure, changing roadkill policies, and reporting accidents, among others.
Ways To Observe Animal Road Accident Awareness Day
The Animal RTA Awareness Day can be an eventful day for anyone who wants to speak up for the animals.
Human owners of any animal can attend an event being held to commemorate the day.
If you are away from where the action is taking place, the internet can be an excellent place for learning as well as to let others know about the importance of the day. One of the easiest ways to do so is by taking to social media and discussing the kindness of the topic and how things aren't changing.
Your platform can be a way to open discussion for others who might have had first-hand experience of losing a pet to road accidents or may have accidentally caused by themselves.
Like any other organization, 'CatsMatter' is also keen to collaborate with those who care about their beliefs. So, if you are serious about working on the matter, there's always a chance to tie up with them to host events.
But, as you may know, the lack of empathy for animals begins when we are children, so hosting events for kids can help them to learn about roadkill and the seriousness of having an Animal Road Accident Awareness Day.
Suppose you know of any organizations that are involved in rehabilitating animals that have come across road accidents. In that case, nothing can be better than you lending them a hand for a day.
They even organize adoption drives for cats and dogs that might be disabled and in need of special care. So, if you feel for the cause, it can be an excellent initiative for you to join.
Facts And Stats
- It's estimated that 630 cats are hit by cars every day on UK roads.
- In the United States, 253,000 car-animal road accidents are reported every year.
- A Canadian study found that around 2.7% of drivers intentionally run over animals.
- When there is roadkill in an area with bustling local wildlife, the dead animals often lure others and cause more accidents.
- One of the common animals hit at night is bats, so bat bridges have been installed in some areas to help the bats navigate echolocation and avoid road traffic accidents.
Who founded Animal Road Accident Awareness Day?
Animal Road Accident Awareness Day was founded by a UK organization called 'CatsMatter.'
Why was Animal Road Accident Awareness Day created?
The Animal Road Accident Awareness Day was created to bring notice to the number of domestic pets, especially cats, killed in the UK. Moreover, the day targets to make people understand that even if an animal dies in a road traffic accident, the driver should show enough compassion to register the accident or call wildlife rescue.
What can you do on Animal Road Accident Awareness Day?
You can spend the Animal Road Accident Awareness Day looking for organizations or conservation groups holding events for the day. Often, animal-loving drivers come together to talk about the necessary changes needed. You can also visit institutions that rehabilitate wildlife met with accidents.
When Is This Day Celebrated
- Friday, October 09, 2020
- Saturday, October 09, 2021
- Sunday, October 09, 2022
- Monday, October 09, 2023
- Wednesday, October 09, 2024
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