Fall is playtime—and not just on the plate. As the days get shorter from October, deer, roe deer, foxes and wild boars are on the roads more often at the same time as drivers. It gets dark again in morning and evening traffic and animals can only be seen on the road late in the evening.
According to an analysis by the insurance company Axa, around 20,000 accidents occur, often involving wild animals, in Switzerland, particularly in the cantons of Jura, Friborg, Graubünden and Thurgau. Across Switzerland, the amount of damage is estimated at more than 50 million francs! However, with a suitable driving style, accidents can be prevented. If anything, it’s important to react correctly. Look how it says:
avoiding accidents
- Be careful in the forest: so-called deer crossings – familiar hiking trails for animals – pass through many cantons and country roads. Therefore, special attention is required in forest areas, along fields and meadows.
- Pay attention to warning signs: Traffic signs and speed limits indicate particularly dangerous places where deer often pass. Take this seriously and drive with extra care.
- Adapt your driving behavior: slow down in known deer crossing areas, be prepared to brake (click here for brake guide) and observe the roadside, regardless of the time of day. Even a slightly reduced speed can prevent accidents involving wildlife (see graphic in image gallery).
- Correct behavior: If a wild animal appears on the side of the road: brake, turn down and honk. Warning: High beam disorientates animals! Expect latecomers as well, as animals often travel in herds.
- Cruel as it may sound, don’t stray off the road: If an accident is unavoidable, try not to swerve while braking hard. In the worst case, you crash into oncoming traffic or a tree – and then, in addition to possible human victims, there are also issues with insurance as there is no evidence that wild animals were involved.
behavior in the event of an accident
- Secure the accident site: After the collision, wear a high-visibility vest and secure the accident site with hazard warning lights and a fault triangle. Watch out for injured people.
- Alarm: Notify the emergency service (Tel.144), but in any case the police (Tel.117), depending on the severity of the accident.
- Do not touch: Do not try to approach or even touch the injured animal. Do not follow an escaped injured animal, note the direction of escape and inform the hunter. Remove dead animals from the street with gloves only.
- Stay on site and document: Take photos and have a wildlife accident certificate issued for the insurance company. Important: If you take dead game with you, you may be prosecuted for poaching. Immediate contact with the police is mandatory. Drivers who report a wildlife accident late or not at all may also have problems with their insurance.