Overview

• Risk rises sharply from October to December and also in April and May as dusk overlaps with commuting and animals increase activity before winter.
• Rural routes beside fields are hotspots because tall maize and harvest machinery hide or flush animals onto roads, prompting ACE to urge slower speeds.
• Experts advise switching off high beam, braking firmly, and holding the wheel, since hitting a tree or another vehicle is usually more dangerous than striking the animal.
• Drivers should expect groups, especially with roe deer and wild boar, and consider easing to roughly 80 km/h where appropriate as recommended by regional hunting officials.
• After a collision, notify police and obtain a wildlife-damage certificate; partial or full comprehensive cover typically pays for repairs without affecting the no-claims bonus, and using summer tires in winter can lead to fines.