BLACKPOOL Zoo is helping save drivers and elephants from car crashes on the unlit roads of India.

Experts from the zoo have been called in to help find a solution to the massive problem of road safety for the world's biggest land mammals, and have come up with reflective strips, in material similar to that worn by traffic police.

Every year, around 10 of India's estimated 6,000 domestic elephants are involved in accidents, often on unlit roads at night. That can have serious consequences not just for the animal, but also for the driver.

Now, thanks to a partnership between the zoo and India's Wildlife Trust, 30 animals are to be issued with reflective jackets so they will be visible at night.

In the future, they could even be issued with solar-powered 'blinking' reflective jackets for use in heavy fog.

And the road safety project isn't Blackpool Zoo's only contribution to the Indian elephant. The zoo also worked on a microchipping project to track the illegal movement of elephants and using Global Positioning Satellite technology to examine where elephants are 24 hours a day.

Zoo spokesman, Tony Williams, said: "To be involved at this level with the home of the Asian elephant , with people who have experience of keeping elephants for 4,000 years, is tremendous."

The elephants chosen for the pilot scheme are based in New Delhi and live with their caretakers on the banks of the Yamuna river.

They are considered to bring good luck and are often used in wedding ceremonies. This means making journeys to wedding venues, often at night.

Elsewhere, elephants are used in temple rituals and for giving rides to tourists, particularly around the Taj Mahal.

Anirudha Mookerjee, director of programmes for the trust said: "We've started by developing something functional and rudimentary - you just need a surface that reflects light because most of the trucks and cars would have their headlights on."

The zoo is working with British manufacturers to look at ways of improving the safety garments.

"It may even become compulsory for people who keep captive elephants to use lights and reflective strips," added Mr Williams.