DRIVERS are being urged to take extra care as the New Forest braces itself for the deadliest month for animal accidents.

Collisions involving ponies, donkeys and other free-roaming animals often peak between 5pm and 8pm on weekdays in the winter, especially in November.

Commuters are being urged to be vigilant after the clocks go back at the weekend and they find themselves driving home in the dark.

They are also being encouraged to cut their speed from 40mph to 30mph, a move which adds only three minutes to most journeys across the Forest and can cut the number of accidents involving livestock.

Last year 159 animals were hit by vehicles, with 58 killed and 32 injured.

When the days grow shorter more journeys take place during the hours of darkness. Bad weather and the dazzle caused by oncoming headlights can lead to poor visibility.

Head agister Jonathan Gerrelli said: "Free-roaming animals have no road sense and can appear suddenly in front of your vehicle with little warning.

"At this time of year particular care is needed.

"Allow yourself a little more time for your journey and if visibility is poor, due to the weather, darkness or an oncoming vehicle's lights, slow down.

"If you do collide with a Forest animal, or witness an accident involving one, please report it as soon as possible. A hit-and-run is the last thing we want - an animal could be left in pain for hours or days.

"Even if it runs off, it could be seriously injured, so call the police and an agister will be sent out to search for the casualty."

The worst roads for animal accidents in the Forest are the B3078/79 from Cadnam to Godshill, the B3054 from Lymington to Dibden Purlieu, the B3055 from Brockenhurst to Sway and the C10 from Picket Post to Holmsley.

The number of animals killed or injured has almost halved in the last 20 years but campaigners say the annual total is still too high.

Bruce Rothnie, Deputy Surveyor of the New Forest, said: "The New Forest is a unique place. Allowing animals to roam freely across an unfenced landscape is vital to sustaining that uniqueness.

"Everyone living and working in this special area can help this winter by slowing down and being extra vigilant for animals."