The main danger to motorists on the roads is posed by elk and roe deer. However, drivers often encounter other representatives of the animal world – foxes, wild boars, and even bears.
The main danger to motorists on the roads is posed by elk and roe deer. However, drivers often encounter other representatives of the animal world – foxes, wild boars, and even bears.
All representatives of the animal world, without exception, pose a potential danger to road users. A hare is unlikely to cause a fatal road accident, but upon collision, it can playfully "take" the bumper or headlight of your car with it. And in the event of an accident involving roe deer or elk, the probability of death for the driver and passengers of a car is extremely high: elk can weigh up to 500 kg; a collision with them is comparable to driving into a wall, which, moreover, often flies directly into the cabin and crushes everything in its path up to the rear seats. It is these animals that are considered the most dangerous and unpredictable.
Here are a few recommendations that will help you notice animals on the road in time and quickly orient yourself in a difficult situation.
1. Take care of your car
Remember that the sooner you spot a wild animal, the greater your chances of safely avoiding it. To ensure the best visibility, pay close attention to the operation of the windscreen wipers and the condition of the windscreen. Over time, the latter becomes covered with a web of scratches and chips, which significantly reduce visibility in the dark. Adjust your headlights and always keep them clean. The car's climate control system should also be in good working order, otherwise you will face the problem of fogging and reduced visibility.
2. Use your headlights correctly
In the dark, always switch to high beam when driving outside populated areas and when there is no oncoming traffic. If you have front fog lights, use them in conjunction with low or high beam headlights to enhance the light output – they perfectly illuminate the roadside and help to spot approaching animals earlier. Do not forget that in adverse weather conditions, high beam only worsens visibility by illuminating fog, raindrops, and snowflakes.
3. Choose the time of your journey
It is generally believed that forest dwellers are most active at night. This statement is not without foundation, however, the most
the dangerous period is the transitional time – dawn and dusk. Human vision finds it difficult to adapt to low light conditions, while animals are awake and may surprise you with a sudden appearance. The probability of a collision at dusk is extremely high. If possible, avoid driving in conditions of limited visibility. During twilight, take a break – just rest or have a snack.
4. Watch the landscape
Animals most often come out onto roads surrounded by forest belts, as well as in areas bordering water bodies. When driving in close proximity to trees and bushes, reduce your speed. It is not easy to see an animal in tall grass or foliage, which means there is a high probability that your reaction will be delayed.
5. Do not ignore signs
The most dangerous sections of roads are marked with special signs informing about the possible appearance of wild animals. Ignoring them is fraught with consequences: these information signs appeared for a reason and indicate that numerous incidents and road accidents have already occurred here. Reduce your speed and double your vigilance.
6. Do not overestimate your capabilities
The main cause of all troubles and road accidents involving animals is the drivers themselves. Experts recommend driving at a speed not exceeding 90 km/h in areas where animals live. In most cases, this allows you to correctly assess the situation and perform an emergency stop or an evasive maneuver. And if a collision still occurs, it will be at a much lower speed, which reduces the consequences.
7. Use passenger prompts
If you are not driving alone and feel that unexpected encounters may await you on a particular stretch of road, ask your passenger to carefully watch the right shoulder. They will see an animal faster than the driver, as they are not focused on the road and signs, and therefore will prompt you in time. In the dark, animals are betrayed by their eyes, which reflect headlights.
Notice white or red dots – immediately reduce speed!
8. Do not lose vigilance in populated areas
Moose, deer, and other animals often wander into populated areas in search of food. Fatal road accidents involving them are not excluded even in large cities. Always fasten your seatbelt and remember that your braking distance should fit within the segment illuminatedwith your headlights. If this is not the case, reduce your speed to a reasonable level.
9. Do not frighten the animal
If you notice an animal on the road, do not waste time honking or flashing your headlights. Take all possible measures to slow down as much as possible or stop completely. Do not try to drive past – the animal may dart off in a completely unpredictable trajectory and end up under your wheels, or even attack the car.