As of: October 2nd, 2024 4:00 p.m
As the days become shorter, the risk of accidents involving wildlife increases. Drivers should be particularly careful at dusk. How can they drive safely and react correctly?
German car insurers registered around 282,000 collisions with wild animals in 2023 and estimated the total damage at more than one billion euros. The risk of a wildlife accident is particularly high in the spring in the months of April and May and at the end of the year from October to December.
Heed warning signs and reduce speed
Many drivers underestimate the danger and drive too fast despite warning signs on the side of the road or blue reflectors on the guide posts. The blue reflective plates are installed in places where animals often cross the road and are intended to deter them.
Increased wildlife crossing at dusk
Drivers should be particularly careful on roads at the edge of forests and fields.
Wild animals are particularly active at dusk in the morning and evening. They leave their cover to look for food. On roads through forests or on the edge of forests and fields, drivers should reduce their speed and be particularly attentive. If an animal is standing on the side of the road, turn off the high beam and honk. Be careful: When one animal runs across the street, others often follow.
Brake and don’t swerve
Many drivers try to avoid an animal that suddenly appears. However, experts advise: brake, hold the steering wheel firmly and do not swerve – even with larger animals. The damage is usually less than if the car skids and collides with an oncoming car or a tree. A good distance from the car in front protects against rear-end collisions.
Correct behavior after a wildlife accident
If a collision with a wild animal does occur, you should note the following:
- Drive to the side of the road and secure the scene of the accident: turn on the hazard lights, put on a safety vest, set up a warning triangle
- Notify the police, even if the animal flees into the forest after the collision: they will report the accident to the forester or hunting manager.
- If possible, do not touch the animal: The forester or hunting manager will take care of rescuing the injured or dead animal.
- Document the accident for the insurance company: Take photos of the scene of the accident, the animal and the vehicle
- Have a wildlife accident certificate issued by the police, forester or hunting leaseholder
- Inform your insurance company immediately
Partially comprehensive and fully comprehensive insurance pay in the event of accidents involving wild animals
If damage to the vehicle occurs as a result of an accident involving wild animals, partial or fully comprehensive insurance will generally reimburse the repair costs. In any case, you should check your contract conditions: many insurance companies limit their protection to accidents involving furred game. These include, for example, wild boar, deer, brown hare, marten or fox.
Partial comprehensive insurance usually excludes collisions with livestock and pets such as cows, horses or dogs, but also with birds. In these cases, the animal owner is liable. Some insurers offer policies that will cover damages in the event of any type of animal accident. Damage caused by wild animals has no influence on your personal no-claims bonus – i.e. the reduction in your vehicle insurance premium if you drive without an accident.
More information
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Lower Saxony 6 p.m. | Sep 30, 2024 | 12:00 p.m
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