Beware of animals in the road!

• What might you come across?
• When might you see one?
• So, what should you do if you encounter one?
• What about road signs?

What might you come across?

When driving almost anywhere within Europe, there’s a good chance that at some point you’ll encounter an animal inadvertently straying on to the road. Whereas in the city it’s probably more likely to be a domestic pet or perhaps, an urban fox, in the countryside there are a number of species that could find themselves on tarmac, rather than in the surrounding fields or forests.
Naturally, in the verticity of a farm or small holding, the risk is likely to be from livestock being moved across the road, but in these circumstances, farmhands are generally present to provide some degree of warning as you approach a four legged obstacle.
Away from these settings however, the chances are it’ll be a wild animal and statistically, most likely, it’ll be some sort of deer.

 

When might you see one?

Although deer activity is at its peak during the rutting season, when the males pursue as many females as possible, meaning both sexes can cover considerable distances and therefore there is a greater likelihood of them crossing a road, the population is rising, so the risk of a deer in the carriageway is high whatever the time of year. Generally they are seen more at dusk and dawn, coincidently during the morning and evening rush hour, but again sightings in the middle of the day and at night are not uncommon.
While there are several species of deer, of various sizes, across Europe, many can weigh as much as an adult, so collision with one is likely to cause considerable damage to your vehicle, as well as being a traumatic experience.

 

So, what should you do if you encounter one?

Your speed is always a factor when driving, so be aware of potential risks as you drive through the countryside and consider your stopping distances in the prevailing conditions. However, if a deer should run out into the road, although your natural instinct might be to swerve and try to miss it, they are very quick and agile and might simply move further into your path, rather than move the other way.
So, don’t violently change direction because that greatly increases the chances of you colliding with another vehicle or with a roadside obstacle and potentially losing control of your car. Instead reduce your speed as quickly as possible and try and keep the vehicle in a straight line. This not only allows you to slow down most effectively, but it also actually gives the animal the highest possible chance to get out of your way.

 

What about road signs?

Almost all counties have roadside warning signs for deer, so look out for them and remember they are there for a reason! If you do see a deer in the road and you pass it without problem, don’t assume the risk has been averted because deer usually roam in herds, so if there’s one, there are likely to be several others close by, so remain alert and watch your speed.
Finally, if you do unfortunately hit a deer, or any other animal for that matter, but you are uninjured and your vehicle is still safe to drive, you must still inform the police because the animal might be badly injured and suffering, so will need to be dealt with by a professional.