DEKRA. Accident researchers at DEKRA warn that drivers must expect an increased risk of deer crossing by December. According to the figures from the insurance industry, an accident with wildlife happens somewhere in Germany about every two minutes – a total of almost 270,000 per year. Although the collision with deer, stag or wild boar in 2019 was “only” fatal in twelve cases, over 2,800 people were injured. DEKRA accident researcher Stefanie Ritter: “On dangerous stretches it is important to be careful and take your foot off the gas.” Wildlife accidents can happen all year round and at any time of the day, but now the danger is increasing – encouraged by the heavy rush hour at dawn and dusk and poor visibility. A simple example calculation makes it clear that the danger is real: “Many drivers are not aware that a wild boar weighing 80 kilograms would hit a moving car at 50 km / h with a force of two tons.”
Take wildlife crossing signs seriously: take your foot off the gas
The appeal is therefore clear: the warnings about deer crossing should be taken seriously. If the traffic sign Wildwechsel (no.142) is on the side of the road, the route is considered the focus of the accident and is not secured by game protection fences. However, drivers should be prepared for deer crossing on all roads in the vicinity of forest areas, hedges, bushes and fields. “You have to be ready to react here, slow down and keep an eye on the edges of the lane. This is also evident from various court rulings, ”says the accident researcher. “In these areas, it is advisable not to drive faster than 70 to 80 km / h and to forego overtaking maneuvers.” When wild animals appear, you have to dim the high beam, brake in a controlled manner and honk your horn while paying attention to the traffic behind. Drivers have to reckon with stragglers or panicked animals that suddenly jump onto the street. Therefore, even when the game is over, slowly drive on and watch the roadside.
Controlled emergency braking in an emergency
If a collision cannot be avoided, the DEKRA expert recommends: brake as hard as possible and keep the vehicle in the lane. “Evasive maneuvers are very risky. They can lead to more severe collisions than with a wild animal and easily end up in oncoming traffic or in a tree, ”warns Ritter.
After a wildlife accident
As with any other accident, the motto is: Secure the scene of the accident, switch on the hazard warning lights, put on a safety vest and set up a warning triangle.
Help the injured and, if necessary, call the emergency services (emergency number 112). Accidents involving wildlife are notifiable in most of the federal states – therefore also inform the police.
Do not touch injured animals, they can panic and seriously injure people. Leave the recovery of dead animals to the responsible forester or hunting tenant. Do not take any wild animals, this is considered poaching.
Document the accident for the insurance company and take photos of the vehicle, animal and scene of the accident. Have the police or the hunting tenant issue you a wildlife accident certificate. Important: Do not rush to eliminate the wild tracks on the vehicle, but call the insurance company beforehand.
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