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Germany Warns Drivers of Autumn Spike in Wildlife Collisions as Dusk Commutes Return

Local authorities urge extra caution during twilight commutes due to a seasonal rise in wildlife on roads.

Overview

  • The Landratsamt Bamberg issued a fresh advisory tied to the end of summer time and current harvests, urging lower speeds, brake readiness, no risky swerves, and immediate police or gamekeeper notification after crashes.
  • Insurers logged more than 276,000 wildlife collisions with over €1.1 billion in damages in 2024, with roughly 750 incidents recorded each day nationwide.
  • Risk is highest on rural roads by fields where tall maize limits sightlines and harvest machinery displaces animals, and drivers should expect that animals often cross in groups.
  • Experts advise dipping headlights, braking firmly, holding the wheel, avoiding evasive steering, and following ADAC guidance to match speed to visibility in signed wildlife-crossing areas.
  • After a collision, drivers should secure the scene, obtain a wildlife-damage certificate for insurance, avoid touching carcasses, and note that partial or full comprehensive policies typically cover repairs without affecting no-claims bonuses.