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Attention drivers: How to avoid accidents involving wild animals in autumn!
In the Rheingau-Taunus district, drivers are advised to pay attention to animal crossings, especially in rural areas, in order to avoid accidents.
Attention drivers: How to avoid accidents involving wild animals in autumn!
November 11, 2025 not only brings St. Martin's Day to the table, but also an important topic for drivers in the rural regions of Hesse. The police in particular would like to urge caution when driving in areas where wildlife crossings are common. Wormser Zeitung reports that the risk increase is particularly true in the early morning hours, at dusk and at night, when wild animals often cross their paths.
Drivers should pay particular attention and adapt their driving style to the circumstances. It is advisable to heed warning signs and be ready to brake if animals are spotted on the side of the road. If a sighting occurs, the experts recommend dimming, slowing down, honking and, if necessary, stopping. Did you know that using hazard lights and continuing to drive at walking speed can help defuse the situation?
Dangers of wildlife crossing
In this context, it is also relevant that it is not just local traffic reports that point out the dangers. According to that NDR An accident involving wildlife occurs every 30 minutes in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. The risks increase particularly between October and December, as well as in spring, due to the increased activity of wild animals at dusk. In 2024, German car insurers reported around 276,000 collisions with wild animals, resulting in total damage of over one billion euros.
In order to counteract these developments, it is important to pay attention to warning signs and blue reflectors that are installed at frequent crossing points. These reflectors are designed to keep wildlife off the road. Another important note for drivers: When an animal runs across the road, other animals often follow. This means that special attention should be paid to the road environment.
Action in an emergency
What should you do if you actually collide with a wild animal? According to experts' recommendations, you should first pull over to the side of the road and secure the scene of the accident. This includes turning on the hazard warning lights, wearing a high-visibility vest and setting up a warning triangle. Even if the animal escapes, it is important to notify the police. In any case, those injured should inform their insurance company immediately and also request a wildlife accident certificate from the police or hunters. It can be helpful to take photos of the accident scene to preserve documentary evidence.
And don't forget: In the event of an accident involving wildlife, this has no influence on the insurance company's personal no-claims bonus. Even if it's annoying for drivers, most insurance companies cover costs for accidents involving wildlife, but usually only for furred game such as wild boar or deer.
Given this information, drivers should remain vigilant at all times and be aware of wildlife crossings when driving through rural areas. Safety on our roads should always be our top priority.