Wildlife on the road
Sven Meier, president of the Verkehrsschule Zug, provides information about traffic rules and situations. Do you have any questions or uncertainties? Do not hesitate to contact him and you will receive a competent explanation.
Adapt your driving style
In autumn, increased wildlife traffic is to be expected, mainly at dawn and dusk. Deer and other wild animals are foraging for food and frequently cause accidents when crossing the roadway. To avoid being involved in such an accident as a motorist, drive carefully, at a reduced speed and ready to brake, especially in wooded areas with deer crossing warning signs. If an animal appears, immediately switch on your hazard lights, reduce your speed, and switch to your dipped headlights. If necessary, honk to scare the animal away. In addition, be prepared; if a wild animal crosses the road, it is very likely that a second animal will follow.
Behavior in an emergency
Various crash tests have examined the effects of collisions with animals on the vehicle and the driver, finding that evasive maneuvers can have far worse consequences for the driver, the passengers, and others on the road than would a direct collision with the game. This is because active and passive safety systems are more effective in frontal collisions than side or rear impacts. In the event of an unavoidable collision with a wild animal, you should apply the maximum braking power, hold the steering wheel firmly, and remain in your lane.
After the accident
If, despite all your caution, you were unable to brake in time and collided with a wild animal, react as follows:
- Stop, switch on your hazard lights, and remain calm.
- Secure the accident site with the breakdown triangle.
- Call the police (emergency number 117). If necessary, call the gamekeeper. Accidents involving animals must be reported.
- Do not approach the injured animal; it is under stress and may be dangerous.
- Wait for the police or gamekeeper at a safe place near the accident site. They will record the accident.
- Report the damage to your insurance company. You will need an accident certificate for this.
Prevention
Leaving an injured animal lying there is not a trivial offense. Not only are you guilty of cruelty to the animal, but such a hit-and-run can be punished with a fine of up to CHF 10,000. Moreover, property damage to your vehicle will only be compensated if the accident was immediately reported to the police and recorded. Partial or comprehensive insurance is a prerequisite for this.
Nowadays, various aids can be used to ensure the safety of road users and wildlife. Reflectors, warning foil, PET bottles, CDs, scent pads, and other devices have been used for years in an attempt to prevent wildlife accidents. The best protection, however, remains to avoid a collision by adjusting your speed in areas with wildlife crossings.
