Autumn has arrived once again, which means it’s worth paying extra attention on the roads. It’s not only wet conditions and early darkness that can lead to accidents at this time of year. The number of wildlife collisions increases significantly in autumn, as deer are especially active during mating season and often act unpredictably, resulting in many vehicle-animal collisions.
To avoid accidents, staying alert is essential. However, a few practical tips and accessories can also help ensure you reach your destination safely. In this article, we’ll show you effective methods and tools to help prevent wildlife collisions, and also highlight the regulatory changes introduced this summer that you should be aware of.
Wildlife collisions: the danger isn’t limited to autumn
Unfortunately, any driver may experience a situation where an animal suddenly jumps in front of their vehicle during nighttime driving. In such cases, even the quickest reflexes may not be enough—especially if you’re behind the wheel of a 40-ton truck. According to official statistics, 15,000–20,000 wildlife collisions occur annually in Hungary, but in reality, the number of unreported cases may be just as high. Most victims are deer, hares, pheasants, and wild boars.
These statistics are already concerning, but compared to other countries, the situation isn’t the worst. In Austria, which is similar in size but more forested, around 100,000 animals are involved in road accidents every year according to ÖAMTC data. This means such incidents occur every 5–10 minutes—and this figure doesn’t even include collisions involving domestic animals.
Colliding with a deer, wild boar, or red deer is no minor issue. Even at low speeds, it can cause damage worth thousands of euros in a passenger car. And despite the size, weight, and elevated driving position of a truck, repairing or replacing damaged plastic and other components can also quickly run into substantial costs. The extent of the damage often depends on the circumstances of the collision, meaning that even a rabbit can sometimes cause serious financial damage, while in fortunate cases, a collision with a deer might result in only minor scratches.
Wildlife movement is more intense in spring and autumn, especially during the deer mating season. That’s why it’s important to take preventive measures before setting off. However, it’s crucial to remain cautious throughout the entire year, as accidents can happen at any time.
A collision with wildlife is not only a financial issue—it can also lead to life-threatening accidents. In this respect, trucks do offer more protection than passenger cars. Not to mention that drivers may be required to cover the damages—including the value of the animal. Therefore, it’s always best to be well-prepared before getting behind the wheel, whether you’re driving a car or a truck.
Responsibility now lies with the driver: changing regulations
As of July 1, 2023, an amendment to the 1996 Act LV on game management and hunting came into force, published in issue No. 90 of the Hungarian Gazette in 2023 on June 22. One of the most important changes is that hunting associations are no longer obliged to compensate for vehicle damage unless the driver can prove that the animal was driven onto the road by hunters. The law states:
“It shall not be considered attributable conduct or an abnormality within the activity of the hunting rights holder if wildlife appears on public roads, highways, or within populated areas due to its natural movement related to feeding or reproduction, unless the appearance is causally linked to the hunting activity.”
Even more importantly, the hunting association may claim compensation for the value of the animal killed. This means that in the event of a wildlife collision, the driver may be liable both for the damage to their vehicle and for the assessed value of the animal. It’s therefore crucial to stay alert and use all available means to prevent such accidents.
Prevent accidents: effective safety tips
Although there’s no foolproof method to completely eliminate the risk of wildlife collisions, certain practices and accessories can significantly improve your safety while driving.
- Perhaps the most basic rule is to drive more cautiously and below the speed limit in wildlife-rich areas, on forest-lined or low-traffic roads—especially after dark, when visibility is reduced. Pay special attention near the end of fences or guardrails, as these can guide animals toward the road. Watch the roadside carefully, as the reflection of animal eyes in your headlights is often the first warning sign. Most drivers focus only on the right side, but animals can come from either direction. After a long day of driving, a cup of coffee can help keep your senses sharp. A useful accessory is glasses designed specifically for night driving. Thanks to polarized lenses, night driving glasses can improve visibility on dark forest roads and help you react in time.
- It’s also important to know that certain species, such as deer and wild boars, often move in groups. If one crosses your path, others are likely to follow. Even if you avoid the first, you may not be able to avoid the second or third without quick reactions.
- Modern in-car screens and lighting can easily distract you from the road. While advanced radar and camera systems can sometimes detect animals earlier than humans, they are not yet widespread. Don’t let convenience features reduce your attentiveness. Truck drivers should maintain greater following distances, especially in convoys, as even a fraction of a second can make the difference between stopping safely and causing a rear-end collision.
- Use high beams where permitted to spot hazards earlier. However, avoid flashing your lights at animals, as sudden bright light may freeze them in place. Instead, use your horn, as unexpected noise typically scares animals away. This principle is used by wildlife warning whistles, which are easy to install and require no power source—they generate sound from airflow. Their low cost is negligible compared to potential repair expenses.
- Interestingly, newer vehicles produce less noise, which may reduce their detectability by animals. While animals have better hearing than humans, older loud engines were likely heard from further away than modern quiet trucks.
- You can also take out insurance to mitigate damages. However, in Hungary, such insurance often covers only up to around €1,300, while damage caused by a large deer can far exceed this amount.
There’s no guaranteed solution for every situation, but applying these tips can significantly improve your chances. Road authorities also contribute to safety: blue reflectors mounted on roadside posts are becoming more common. These reflect headlights in a way that scares nearby wildlife, hopefully preventing them from crossing the road.
What to do if an accident has already happened?
If a collision occurs, the first step is to notify the police, as hitting wildlife is considered a road accident. Provide an accurate account of the incident and take photos and videos. Authorities will inform the hunting association, whose representatives will document the case and assess the damage. Since shock can make it difficult to recall details, a high-quality dashcam can be extremely useful—though regulations on their use vary by country.
It’s important to know that the animal typically belongs to the state, and after its death, to the local hunting rights holder—usually a hunting association. Therefore, taking the animal is considered theft under the law.
If your vehicle is damaged, it’s advisable to replace broken parts with quality components. In minor cases, only the license plate holder may be affected, but more serious incidents may require replacing fog lights, headlights, or body components. In the Convoy range, you’ll find many other products needed for repairs.