Avoiding deer accidents – tips for greater safetyNumerous deer accidents can be avoided. But as already mentioned, the risk is often underestimated, also because situations with an increased risk of a wildlife accident are not always recognized. Drivers can adjust their driving style. Thus immediately reduce their personal accident risk.
According to the German Hunting Association, if you drive at a maximum speed of 80 km/h, you have a chance of stopping in time if you spot a wild animal on the roadway that is approaching ca. Is 60 meters away from you. This distance is the same as the average headlight range of car headlights. That's why it's a good idea to generally reduce your speed a bit during peak times for wildlife accidents and on high-risk routes.
As soon as you see a wild animal, you have to take your foot off the accelerator or – if there is no vehicle coming from behind – brake immediately. Caution is especially important if the animal is close to the roadway. This is because wild animals often travel in groups: just because one wild animal is at a safe distance does not mean that there are no other animals in the vicinity. On the contrary, the risk of collision with another wild animal is relatively high.
If you drive in the dark or. If you are driving with your high beams on and you see a wild animal, you should immediately dim your lights. In particular, animals that are on the roadway are blinded by the headlights and then remain in their position instead of leaving the roadway. Dimming increases the likelihood that an animal will leave the roadway in time and avoid an accident.
If a collision seems unavoidable, do not swerve under any circumstances. Swerving is usually much riskier because the vehicle can leave the roadway and collide with a tree, for example. There is also the risk of colliding with oncoming traffic. Accordingly, it is safer for the occupants to initiate emergency braking and hold on to the direction of travel – and literally to the steering wheel. The vehicle may be damaged, but with luck all occupants will remain unharmed. Also turn on the hazard lights to warn other motorists.
By the way: When driving abroad, other recommendations may apply depending on the wild animals encountered there. The following applies z.B. In some parts of Scandinavia, the recommendation to preferably take evasive action if a collision with a large moose is imminent. Due to the size of the animal, a serious collision is imminent. In view of such accident risks, it is advisable to inform yourself in advance about existing accident risks and recommended driving behavior.
When and where do deer accidents happen?
Wildlife accidents can occur throughout the year. But they happen much more frequently in late spring and fall, as well as in the winter months when it gets dark early. Especially in the early morning hours as well as towards evening, wild animals such as deer and wild boars are active. You are approaching and crossing roads with the dreaded collisions looming as well. At this time, adjust your driving style. It is important to be ready to brake. Speed may need to be reduced.
The greatest risk of a deer accident is in rural areas, especially when driving through forests or if the roadway runs in the immediate vicinity of a forest. The same applies to roads that pass by fields. If warning signs point out possible deer crossing, these should be taken seriously.
The most important facts at a glance
– The damage caused to the vehicle by a deer accident is usually covered by comprehensive insurance, but not by motor vehicle liability insurance.
– Report the accident to the police and the district hunter to be able to prove the damage caused by a wild animal.
– Take off the gas as soon as you spot a wild animal, or. Brake as long as the following traffic allows it.
– Be prepared for the fact that wild animals often move in groups.
– Turn off the lights if there is an animal on the roadway. Otherwise it will be blinded. Stops.
– In the event of an unavoidable collision, do not try to swerve to protect the occupants of your car, as well as oncoming traffic. Hold the steering wheel firmly. Switch on the hazard warning lights.
– Be especially attentive in the morning and evening hours and reduce the speed.
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