What to do with road casualty fox

[babmac]

Last night on an urban motorway a fox ran down the entering slip road on to the carrageway in front of my car.
I was being overtaken at the time and had no place to go to avoid it so knocked it down.
It was still moving when I looked in my mirror.
I couldn't stop nearby safely.
Does anyone know what could have been done?
My son said nothing could be done since I couldn't stop safely anyway

[Words]

Unfortunately I think you did the right thing. Swerving on a motorway is definitely not advisable, and clearly you couldn't stop. Roads are one of the biggest killers of wildlife and while slowing down on minor roads can help, it's not really an option on motorways. Your safety comes first.

[TeresaW]

Sadly, on a motorway sliproad there is nothing you can do, and nothing you could have done to prevent the accident without endangering yourself and the overtaking driver. You did the right thing although it's sad for the fox.

[Merrow]

I agree with what the other members have said; I know it must have been horrid but I don't think there was anything you could have done otherwise so please try not to dwell on it (need a 'hug' smilie).

[Picidae]

For future reference: There is no obligation to report wild animal accidents on the highway but you must ensure the animal isn't suffering. Also injured animals on the roads, especially motorways are a serious hazard. If you are unable to stop because you are entering/on a motorway you should stop at the next emergency telephone on the motorway and report the casualty giving exact details of where the accident occurred. This allows the police to attend to the incidence themselves or they will contact the Highways Agency Patrol who would have called out an emergency vet/rescue service. As the fox was still alive (and presumably in a great deal pain) it could have been disposed of humanely or rescued.

[babmac]

thank you for your support( I did need the hug) but Picidae's info was what I was after.
My son did phone the SSPCA and left a message but I didn't think of involving the police.
God forbid it should ever happen again but I would phone them if it did.
Thanks all

[Marcia]

Babmac, I'm very sorry that you've been through such ordeal but as everyone else has said, there was nothing you could have done and it could have been a lot worse if you tried to swerve on a motorway. If it helps giving you a closure to this unfortunate event, perhaps you could make a donation to your local wildlife rescue centre or a fox rehabilitation centre? It could be a way to save a fox in need or a wild animal's life .There's a list of such centres here in this thread. Just an idea. Hugs.

Marcia

[Picidae]

Originally Posted by Marcia

... If it helps giving you a closure to this unfortunate event, perhaps you could make a donation to your local wildlife rescue centre or a fox rehabilitation centre? It could be a way to save a fox in need or a wild animal's life ....Just an idea.
Marcia

Absolutely excellent idea Marcia ... and would probably make babmac feel much better knowing some 'good' can come of a horrible experience.

[babmac]

Marcia I have contacted Hessilhead Centre in Beith to donate.
I also asked if they would have done something for the poor wee fox on Saturday even though they are not very close to road where it happened and I will keep their number in the car and give to to everyone I know.
Great idea
Thanks

[Marcia]

That's great Babmac. You undoubtedly care for the wildlife so stick around this forum, we have people here with invaluable knowledge, there's always something to learn here, from tiny insects to mammals, from environment issues to photography and you're very very welcome to join us.