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In Luxembourg, driving often means using roads that run through forests and countryside. This proximity to nature comes at a price: over 1,000 accidents involving game are reported each year. Collisions occur primarily in spring, when animals begin to move around after the winter months, and in autumn during the hunting season. Understanding these risk periods helps you to take the right action to avoid an accident involving an animal.
When and why do animals cross roads?
Roe deer, boar and stags cross roads to find food, to return to their territory or to escape a threat. In spring, young animals leave their original area to explore new places, while in autumn, the hunting season and the search for food encourages animals to move around more.
The most sensitive times of day are always at dawn and dusk, when visibility is reduced and animal activity is at its peak.
One important detail: when one animal crosses the road, another often follows.
Risks of a collision with game
An accident with a wild animal can have serious consequences:
- injury to the driver and passengers
- material damage, occasionally considerable
- immobilisation of the vehicle
- administrative processes and an insurance claim
Even at moderate speed, an impact with a boar or stag can be very dangerous, because these animals weigh several tens of kilos.
How to reduce risks on the road
Prevention is still the best protection. Here are a few simple habits to adopt:
- Adjust your speed : Slow down in areas with “animals crossing” signs to give you more time to react. At 60 km/h, the breaking distance is 35.2 m, compared to almost 80 m at 100 km/h.
- Observe the areas surrounding the road : Stay alert when near to forests, fields or on poorly lit roads.
- Use your headlights correctly : Use dipped beams so you don’t dazzle animals.
- Avoid sudden manoeuvres : Turning the wheel violently can cause a loss of control which can have more serious consequences than an impact.
- Increase vigilance in bad weather : Driving in rain, fog or at night reduces visibility and increases stopping distances.
What to do following a collision with an animal
If you have an accident:
- Secure the area immediately: Turn on your hazard lights, wear your safety vest and put up a warning triangle.
- Contact the authorities: Inform the police if an animal is injured or if there are casualties.
- Don't touch the animal: An injured animal can be dangerous.
- Take photos: They will be useful for your insurance claim.
Car insurance: are you adequately covered?
Not all car insurance policies automatically cover collisions with wild game. With the Comfort formula from LALUX you are systematically covered for a collision with a stray animal.
Consider checking this point with your insurance agent to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Roads and nature: expect to share the road
In spring and autumn, vigilance is vital. Careful driving, adjusting your speed, and a constant observation of the surrounding area help to reduce the risk of collision considerably. On Luxembourg roads, sharing the space with nature is a part of everyday life, and getting into a few simple habits can often transform an unexpected meeting with the local wildlife into a mere moment of attention... instead of an accident.