The incident occurred on Thursday, March 18, on the Bolesławiec bypass. As a reader informed us, a car collided with a wild boar near the Kruszyn roundabout. (The police only confirm that the animal was wildlife.)

Fortunately, the 47-year-old Volkswagen driver, a resident of Bolesławiec County, was unharmed.

This is not the first incident of this type near the bypass this week. We have been informed that a roe deer was hit near Wiadukt Plaza in the middle of the week. It appears that wild animals are venturing into the city more and more often, presumably in search of food.

What should you do when you spot an animal on the road?

Every driver should remember to exercise particular caution and pay attention to signs warning of hazards. Wildlife running onto the road can pose a very serious threat. Especially now, when animals are looking for food.

This can happen not only in the forest itself, but also at city entrances—wherever there is even a small amount of greenery.

What should you do if you hit a wild animal?

Let us remember that when such an accident occurs on the road, the injured animal should not simply be left on its own. There are facilities where it can receive professional help and have the opportunity to return to its natural environment.

First, the scene must be secured so that it does not pose a danger to other road users. Then the relevant services should be notified. If the incident occurred in a town or city, call the Municipal Police or the police. If it occurred outside a built-up area, call 112.

When calling for help, the driver should provide the location. The easiest way is to check it on a smartphone or give the number from a roadside kilometre marker.

Do not be afraid to call for help. There is no penalty for accidentally hitting an animal. However, fleeing the scene and leaving the animal without assistance is an offence. This can result in a fine or imprisonment. A severe penalty is предусмотрed for drivers who deliberately hit an animal. Unfortunately, this does happen.

How can you avoid a collision?

  • above all, slow down and carefully observe the road and its surroundings. If the animal notices us, it should move out of our way. If it is not frightened, we can try using the horn and flashing the headlights. (We should also be aware that headlights can attract the animal’s attention and immobilise it directly in front of our approaching car)
  • slowing down and carefully avoiding the animal is the best solution
  • we should not get out of the car to scare the animal away, because it may be aggressive.

What do the uniformed officers advise?

  • when travelling on forest roads, it is worth following the principle of limited trust
  • road administrators install signs warning of wildlife in places where animal movement is heavy. Let us remember, however, that these signs do not apply to animals, which choose their own routes. (Many people travel at night because they value lighter traffic on the road. In forested areas, however, animal movement increases significantly at this time).