Animals on the road. How to behave and avoid an accident?
Every year, about 200 car accidents involving animals occur on Polish roads. Most events of this type take place in spring and autumn. At this time, the animals are most active, and the most dangerous time of day is dawn and sunset.
- The presence of animals on the road is associated with the development of road infrastructure. Crossing the migration paths of animals on the roads means that they often have to cross them, - comments Radoslav Jaskulsky from Auto Skoda School.
How to behave when we spot an animal on the road?
First of all, you should slow down and carefully observe the road and its surroundings. If an animal sees us, it must get out of our way. If he doesn't get scared, we can try to use the sound signal and blink the lights.
You should be aware that the lights can also attract the attention of an animal and immobilize it right in front of our oncoming car. Slowing down and carefully avoiding the animal is the best solution. You should not get out of the car to scare the animal, because it may show aggression.
In an emergency, we must always put our safety first. Trying to evade an animal may cause the consequences of the maneuver to be more severe than in the case of a direct collision with it.
What to do in case of an accident?
As with any other traffic accident, we must secure the scene. A well-placed triangle and hazard warning lights will mark our position and attract the attention of oncoming drivers. We can safely ask for help when the need arises. The next step is to call the police.
If there is an injured animal nearby, we can help it if we feel safe. Remember that after an accident, the animal will be in shock, which can make it aggressive. We also must not take injured or dead animals. She may have rabies.
Safety rules
When driving on forest roads, it is worth applying the principle of limited trust. Road administrators set up signs to warn of the game in heavy traffic areas. Remember, however, that signs do not apply to animals and they choose their own path. Many people move at night and appreciate less traffic. However, in forested areas, the movement of animals definitely increases at this time. Let's take this into account.
It should also be remembered that in the event of a collision with an animal, it will be almost impossible to receive compensation from OSAGO in the area behind the sign warning about the possibility of movement of game.
