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In fall, there is an increase in deer crossing, say officials of the German automobile club ADAC. Every year, about 220,000 deer get run over and killed; that’s about 20 animals per hour.
Red deer, wild boars, rabbits and foxes don’t find enough protection on the harvested fields anymore and flee into the forests to find cover. They often have to cross streets and put themselves, as well as motorists, in danger. In fall, game can be found along avenues with trees, where they eat chestnuts, acorn and fruit that falls from trees.
In the coming weeks, motorists must drive extremely carefully along fields and forests, especially at dusk and dawn. The rule is: wherever there is a forest, there is a deer. It’s important to reduce your speed and to be ready to brake at all times. On streets with deer crossing traffic signs, drivers should drive in a cautious and anticipating way.
If a collision with game happens, your vehicle’s warning lights have to be turned on and the vehicle has to be secured. Injured persons have to be taken care of and the police should be called. The animal should not get touched. Foxes can be infected with rabies and deer, apparently unconscious, can kick out. It’s considered poaching if somebody takes the deer and puts it in the trunk. This results in the confiscation of the vehicle and a fine.
In bad cases, a prison sentence of up to five years is possible. Car owners need a written confirmation by the police or the game lessee so the comprehensive insurance will pay for the damage. The game lessee is obliged to find an animal that got hit and hurt, and put it out of its misery.
Fall is harvest time, which means right now a lot of agricultural vehicles are on the roads. Driving out from fields, these vehicles bring clay and mud onto roads. According to ADAC officials, there is an increased risk of accidents, especially for motorcycle drivers. The clay and mud in combination with rain can make roads slippery, almost like black ice.
Also, harvest products falling off the vehicles can cause some danger. Motorists should reduce speed and drive carefully along fields and next to agricultural streets. Leaving a longer distance to the driver ahead and soft braking also adds to safety.
Often, motorists don’t see what danger can be caused by agricultural vehicles such as harvester combines, since they are wider and need more than half of the street. When passing, drivers must be very cautious. In many cases, motorists have to slow down and follow patiently until the agricultural vehicles leave the main road again.
(Information provided by ADAC)
