A Lincoln woman died instantly after the car she was a passenger in struck a horse roaming loose on a 100 km stretch of road in December.

Senior Constable Andy Grant, of the Darfield police, says the car's front, windscreen and roof were badly damaged in the 'tragic accident” which took the life of Diana Clair Morton, 56. Her husband, and driver of the vehicle, James Morton had only minor bruising and was treated at the scene.

Owners of wandering stock could be prosecuted if stock cause a crash and negligence could be proven. Their responsibilities lay under three pieces of legislation - the Crimes Act 1961, the Animal Law Reform Act 1989 and the Impounding Act 1955.