When two eyes flash along the side of the road at dusk, every driver’s heart stops for a moment. In Tyrol, about four accidents involving wild animals happen every day in autumn. In addition, the list of traffic hazards in autumn is long due to the low sun, slippery leaves, fog and the first night frost.
The days are getting shorter, the nights longer: even though in many places we are heading towards the warmest first half of October in the history of measurements, the ‘dark’ season is approaching – and with it the danger on the roads in our own country. The peak times in the fall fall again at dusk.
Four wildlife accidents per day and 1,634 animal deaths per year
Above all, the wildlife crossing in combination with the limited visibility due to the darkness increases the risk of accidents. On the roads – such as in the forests and meadows – there is no closed season in the autumn. From a purely mathematical point of view, according to the Road Safety Board, four accidents involving wild animals occur every day in Tyrol. Last year, no fewer than 72,342 animals were killed throughout Austria, of which 1,634 in the “Holy Land”.
But the “wild” risk is also significant for people. In 2022, almost 500 people were injured in animal accidents on roads through Austria (96 of them seriously) and there was one death. “In Tyrol last year there were 24 accidents involving wild animals with personal injuries and a total of 27 injuries,” reports Deputy Governor Josef Geisler, who is responsible for state highways in Tyrol, after reviewing data from Statistics Austria.
Preventive measures, such as optical and acoustic wildlife warning systems, are said to reduce the frequency of accidents, but Geisler is still calling on road users to “take personal responsibility and be particularly careful and cautious”.
Deer are the most common victims in wildlife accidents
But why are there more animals crossing in the autumn? Most wildlife is active at dusk. Roads that are in the immediate vicinity of fields or forests are considered dangerous places. “The remaining greenery in the valleys now attracts a lot of game in the autumn. They also often have to cross the street. However, caution is always required on confusing routes, as accidents with wild animals can happen at any time of the year and day,” explains Tyrolean State Hunt Master Anton Larcher.
The rutting and mating seasons of various wild animals also play a role: deer, for example, are particularly active during the rutting season in September and October. By the way, deer suddenly standing on the road or crossing the road is the most common cause of wildlife accidents.
Flashing and beeping helpers
To best prevent accidents with wild animals, it has been flashing and beeping along many Tyrolean roads for 15 years. Together with the Tyrolean Hunters’ Association, approximately 22,000 reflectors and acoustic game warning systems were financed and installed in dangerous places. “Classic wildlife warning systems are activated by the headlights of approaching vehicles. This creates a light fence that prevents the animals from crossing the road,” explains Alexander Zecha, head of road maintenance in Tyrol.
Acoustic devices also emit a signal tone when vehicles approach to warn wildlife along the road.
After the installation of such warning systems, up to 30 percent fewer accidents were registered. The technology is becoming increasingly advanced. Nowadays, some aids also respond to the rolling noise of vehicles. This means that the game is deterred by beeps even during the day. And now the use of fragrances is even being tested…
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
