A motorist was lucky to escape uninjured after the car they were driving collided with a cow in the early hours of Wednesday morning, January 18.
The accident happened in the New Ross area of Co. Wexford.
The cow involved in the collision with the car died as a result of the accident, which occurred at around 7am in the morning.
Significant damage was caused to the car, with the bonnet, windscreen and roof all needing to be repaired or replaced.
Always expect the unexpected. Driver in New Ross, Wexford lucky to escape with no injuries after colliding with a cow. pic.twitter.com/YKs152HxdZ
— An Garda Síochána (@GardaTraffic) January 18, 2017
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An Garda Siochana is encouraging motorists to expect the unexpected when driving.
Accidents involving Livestock
All farmers who own livestock should have public liability insurance in case one of the animals strays on to a public road and causes a road traffic accident, according to FBD Insurance.
Following a recent road traffic accident on the M3 motorway involving loose cattle, a spokesperson for FBD Insurance said legislation in the Animals Act 1985 defines the law and the duty on owners of livestock in respect of accidents or damage caused by his or her animals.
In this statement, FBD Insurance outlined that livestock owners have a duty to ensure fencing is stock-proof and maintained in this manner.
This is a basic minimum protection which all livestock owners and farmer should hold, according to FBD.
Many farmers purchase insurance in respect of livestock itself and one of the most common items is protection against loss of animals, where they stray from lands, the spokesperson said.
Farmers can also insure animals against the following: fire, lightning, explosion, storm, theft, flood, electrocution, and the collapse of slats and transit.