Road accidents involving wild animals are not uncommon at any time of the year. It is practically impossible to anticipate an encounter with them, especially in the dark. Nor is it possible to predict the outcome of a collision.

  Biologists believe that the behaviour of animals running into headlights is explained by their association of this light with fire. The proximity of fire causes apprehension, which makes animals flee, rushing to get to the other side of the road before the flames cut off their escape. This is why they dart onto the roadway and find themselves directly in front of a car.

  It is most likely to encounter an animal on the highway between 20:00 and 23:00 in the evening, and in the morning between 04:00 and 07:00. Animals come out to feed during this period.

  To avoid such an encounter, drivers should: reduce speed on sections of road that pass through forest areas; if you notice a glint on the roadside, be especially careful – it might be an animal's eyes reflecting in the headlights; in this case, reduce speed to a minimum until the hazardous section is behind you.

  If an accident has already occurred: do not approach an injured animal, as it may be aggressive or rabid; mark the accident site with an "emergency stop" sign; provide first aid to the injured; call the traffic police (GAI) and, if necessary, an ambulance; under no circumstances should you remove the animal from the road yourself, nor take the carcass with you – this is punishable by criminal liability.