Wildlife accidents in autumn: How to protect yourself in the Oldenburg district!

Wildlife accidents in autumn: How to protect yourself in the Oldenburg district!

In the Oldenburg district there is a worrying trend in autumn: the number of accidents involving wildlife has reached an alarming ten-year high. For 2023, the Delmenhorst/Oldenburg-Land/Wesermarsch police station reported 1,066 collisions with wild animals, which accounts for almost a third of the total accident statistics in this region. Drivers are therefore asked to be particularly careful, especially at dusk.

With the change of season to autumn, wild animals become more active, especially now in the mating season of the deer population. These begin to gather in larger groups, with jumps of ten to twenty animals often being observed, as Arnd Fischer, chairman of the Ganderkesee Hegering, explains. The increased activity of bucks also on the move increases the risk of unexpected encounters on the roads. Drivers are urged to take “wildlife crossing” signs seriously, especially on roads where accidents involving wildlife often occur.

Particular caution is required

The current statistics paint a clear picture: According to the General Association of the German Insurance Industry (GDV), there were over 280,000 wildlife accidents involving comprehensively insured vehicles in Germany in 2023. This highlights the need for drivers to drive with extreme caution, particularly in the early hours of the morning and after dark. These instructions are also emphasized by Fischer, who loudly appeals to reduce speed and be ready to brake at any time in order to minimize risks.

If an accident occurs with wildlife, there are a few important rules of conduct to follow. Drivers should first secure the scene of the accident by turning on the hazard lights and setting up a warning triangle. It is crucial to alert the police and never touch injured or dead animals yourself. The foresters or hunting leaseholders are responsible for this. Fischer also recommends taking photos of the scene of the accident and the vehicles involved to make it easier to process the damage. A wildlife accident certificate from the responsible forester or hunting leaseholder should also be obtained in order to make an insurance claim.

Road sections in the Oldenburg district that are particularly at risk include the B 212 in Grüppenbühren and Huder Straße near Hohenböken. Fischer emphasizes that it is crucial to turn off your high beams when wildlife is spotted. In many cases, swerving into oncoming lanes or braking when suddenly encountering game can cause a much worse accident than a collision with an animal itself.

Unexpected challenges

Attempts to reduce the number of accidents through technical measures such as reflectors and special signs have not shown any significant success. This includes the blue reflectors that were once placed on traffic control posts by local hunters to deter wildlife. Fischer had to realize with a heavy heart that the rate of fallen game in her area was over 30 percent and that the action measures did not have the desired effect. Approximately 70 percent of deer released for harvest continue to fall victim to accidents, underscoring the urgency of improving road safety.

In summary, autumn in the Oldenburg district is not only a time of colors and cozy evenings, but also a phase in which drivers have to be particularly attentive and responsible in order to avoid accidents involving wildlife. Expert warnings and advice are more important than ever to ensure the safety of both wildlife and road users. There is more information on this topic in a detailed report on www.nwzonline.de.