When the Forest Crosses Your Path: What to Do if You Hit a Wild Animal
As autumn deepens and darkness lingers longer, the roads become a shared territory between drivers and wildlife. With reduced visibility and unpredictable animal movement, vigilance behind the wheel is more critical than ever.
As the crisp air and early twilights of autumn settle in, wild animals become harder to spot on the road. The police are urging drivers to stay alert, especially on stretches bordered by forest or dense shrubbery where animals may emerge suddenly and without warning.
Wildlife often moves in groups, and their behavior can be erratic, making extra caution essential in wooded areas. Pay close attention to road signs warning of animal crossings—these are not mere formalities but placed where incidents have repeatedly occurred.
If you collide with a wild animal, never leave the scene. Such an incident is considered a traffic accident under the law. Equally important, do not take the animal with you, whether it is injured or dead.
If the collision results in injuries or renders your vehicle undrivable, you must immediately report it to the police. Even if no people are harmed and the car remains intact, authorities must still be informed if the animal is dead or injured.
Should you come across an animal already lying on the roadside, report it right away. Prompt notification helps prevent further accidents and protects other road users.
In the dim light of autumn, the line between forest and asphalt grows thin. A moment’s attention can mean the difference between a close call and catastrophe.
