Statistics and tips – 72,342 wild animals killed on Austrian roads

In autumn, the closed season for hares and some other wild animals comes to an end for Austrian hunters. Just like last year, many young animals will die on the streets this year as “road kill”.

“Animals are killed every seven minutes”
According to official data, 72,342 wild animals were killed on roads following collisions with vehicles in the 2021/2022 reporting year – including many young animals. “A wild animal is killed on our roads every seven minutes. In addition, there is a large number of unreported cases, because many cases are not even reported,” emphasizes Christian Eltner, Secretary General of the Austrian Insurance Association.

Most common causes of accidents in wildlife accidents:Carelessness
At 53 percent, ‘carelessness and distraction’ is the most common cause of accidents involving wild animals resulting in personal injury, followed by ‘improper speed’ at 38 percent.

Behavior in accidents involving wild animals

• “Evasive maneuvers are riskier than collisions”: “If an animal enters the road, evasive maneuvers are usually much riskier than a collision. That is why we recommend in an emergency: dimming, honking the horn, braking hard and holding the steering wheel firmly. If the collision can no longer be avoided, under no circumstances should you swerve uncontrolled,” said Christian Schimanofsky, director of the Road Safety Council (KFV).

• Increased Also keep pet owners in mind: When traveling with your dog, you should not only use a leash for the sake of your animal, but also take into account the potential danger to passing vehicles and the possible legal consequences.

• Should be Animal injured the danger zone must be secured and in the event of a collision with wildlife the police must be alerted. Even if you are not involved in an accident, you should call animal control or an animal control hotline. If someone is injured, the emergency services must of course also be contacted via the emergency number 144.

The wild animals most often killed on Austrian roads in 2022

• 41,508 deer (of which 11,885 young animals)
• 17,469 rabbits
• 5115 in Fasan
• 2851 foxes
• 1316 Badgers
• 1643 Marder
• 321 Iltisse
• Wiesel 199

Artificial intelligence (AI) aims to reduce wildlife accidents
To what extent will now be tested Use of drones, thermal imaging sensors and artificial intelligence (AI) can help prevent accidents involving wild animals. To analyze the position of wild animals and their proximity to roads, the Hagenberg campus of the University of Applied Sciences of Upper Austria equipped drones with cameras and thermal imaging sensors and evaluated the video recordings using artificial intelligence (machine learning).

Drones record movement patterns
In the model communities of Gänserndorf (Lower Austria) and Hagenberg (Upper Austria), extensive drone flights were carried out in the morning, afternoon, afternoon and evening to record the number of wild animals and their approach to the road. Using thermal imaging technology and aerial light field sampling, the animals were able to be identified even when it was already dark or the view was obstructed by trees and shrubs.

Night vision assistance systems have a lot of potential
Night vision assistance systems, which are already installed in some luxury vehicles to prevent accidents with wild animals, are also considered promising. These devices use infrared sensors to detect thermal radiation from, for example, wild animals or pedestrians moving on open roads and can thus warn vehicle drivers early on of dangerous situations.