Drivers urged not to swerve as wildlife crash risk rises

The risk of wildlife collisions rises in autumn as days grow shorter, ORF Kärnten reports. ARBÖ Kärnten is urging drivers to take extra care, particularly on rural roads and near forests, when animals and motorists are more likely to be on the road at the same time.

More than 70,000 wildlife collisions occur in Austria each year. About 320 people were injured in them last year. If deer, red deer or wild boar cross the road, drivers should generally avoid swerving, says Günther Friesacher, ARBÖ Kärnten’s operations manager.

Swerving could send a vehicle into oncoming traffic, onto an embankment, into a ditch or against a tree. Friesacher said the risk of a crash or injury from an evasive manoeuvre is greater than the risk of hitting the animal. Drivers should swerve only if it is safe to do so; otherwise, they should hold the steering wheel firmly and brake hard.

Friesacher said the risk is highest on rural roads, near forests and in marked wildlife crossing zones. In autumn, dawn and dusk coincide more often with commuting hours. If a collision occurs and nobody is injured, drivers should secure the scene by switching on their hazard lights, setting up a warning triangle and calling the police.

Emergency braking is also permitted when large animals cross the road, because of the danger to vehicle occupants.