Rural motorists have been issued an urgent warning as people call for drivers to slow down in areas where they could hit animals.
Michelle Bowsher, a farmer from Dorney Common in Buckinghamshire, has called for motorists to cut their speeds when travelling in rural areas.
It comes as data from Dorney Parish Council reports that 31 cows have been killed on Dorney Common between 2009 and 2023, as a result of a 60mph road through the middle of the area.
While the 0.7-mile stretch of road has cattle grids at both ends to warn drivers that they are travelling through an area where cows could be present, Bowsher warned that these were being ignored.
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There are fears drivers could be ignoring protective measures in place to protect animals
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In a statement to the BBC, a spokesperson for Buckinghamshire Council said it was "concerning" and the speeds were being "actively monitored" to see whether any changes to limits are required.
The farmer added: "[Drivers] quite often go over 60mph. At night-time, it's pitch black, there's no light at all. [The cows] will graze all of [the common] day and night."
She warned that the cows were being left with "pretty horrific injuries" and called on drivers to slow down as their vehicle could be written off if it strikes a cow.
Bowsher said: "Go slowly, drive slowly, be careful, the cows have no road sense they will step out in front of you. Just take your time."
Rule 286 of the Highway Code outlines that drivers involved in a collision which causes damage or injury to another person, vehicle, animal or property must stop.
They should also give their own name, address and registration number of the vehicle to anyone who may have reasonable grounds to require them.
In the case of a farm animal, they are advised to make a concerted effort to find who the animal may belong to and inform them of the accident.
The Highway Code adds that people should report it to the police as soon as possible if they do not give their name or address at the scene of the initial incident.
Rule 286 references Section 170 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 which states that "animal" refers to horses, cattle, asses, mules, sheep, pigs, goats or dogs.
Similarly, Rule 214 of the Highway Code calls on motorists to "drive slowly" when passing animals by giving them enough space and being ready to stop.
Drivers should also refrain from scaring the animals by sounding their horn, revving their engine or accelerating rapidly once they have passed.
It adds: "Look out for animals being led, driven or ridden on the road and take extra care. Keep your speed down at bends and on narrow country roads.
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It is estimated that 31 cows have been killed on Dorney Common between 2009 and 2023
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"If a road is blocked by a herd of animals, stop and switch off your engine until they have left the road. Watch out for animals on unfenced roads."
