Lower Austria adds warning devices to curb wildlife crashes
Saturday 19th September 2026 on 06:15 in
Austria
Lower Austria is installing new wildlife warning systems along 76.6 kilometres of state roads to help prevent collisions, ORF reports. Around 30,000 wild animals are killed on the state’s roads each year.
This year, 6,500 wildlife warning reflectors and 470 optical-acoustic warning devices will be installed in 24 new hunting districts and expanded in 69 existing project districts. Hunters and the Lower Austrian road service are mounting the devices on roadside marker posts.
A further 41.6 kilometres of state roads will receive upgraded or replacement reflectors and warning devices. Once the work is complete, wildlife warning systems will cover 2,040 kilometres of state roads across 534 hunting districts, according to a statement from the office of Lower Austria’s deputy governor responsible for transport, Udo Landbauer of the FPÖ.
The Wildlife and Traffic project has operated for 17 years and is carried out by the Lower Austrian road service, the Lower Austrian Hunting Association and the Austrian Land and Forest Enterprises. So far, about 144,000 reflectors, 7,500 wildlife warning devices and 49 scent deterrents have been installed.
The measures are intended to stop wild animals from crossing roads. FPÖ transport spokesman Hubert Keyl said wildlife collisions had been reduced by up to 70 percent on roads equipped with the systems.
The new equipment will cost about 98,600 euros this year. The state of Lower Austria and the participating hunting districts will share the cost.
Christof Dauda, deputy director of road construction in Lower Austria, urged drivers to take extra care on roads through wooded areas and alongside farmland. If a collision with an animal appears imminent, drivers should avoid dangerous evasive manoeuvres, brake hard and hold the steering wheel firmly.
After a wildlife collision, drivers must secure the scene and contact the police, even if the animal continues running. Police will inform the responsible hunting organisation. Injured or dead wild animals must not be taken away.