What to do when you see an animal on the road?
Every driver should remember to exercise particular caution and pay attention to signs informing them of hazards. Wildlife running onto the road can pose a very serious threat, especially now, when animals are searching for food.
This scenario can occur 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 or see one lying on the road?
Remember that when such a road accident occurs, you should not leave the injured animal to fend for itself. There are facilities where it can receive professional help and have the opportunity to return to its natural environment.
First, secure the scene so that it does not pose a danger to other road users. Then notify the emergency services. If the incident occurred in a city, call the Municipal Police (75 644 79 90) or the police (997). If it occurred outside a built-up area, call 112.
When calling for help, the driver should provide the location. The easiest way to check it is on a smartphone or to provide the number from a kilometer marker beside the road.
Do not be afraid to call for help. There is no penalty for hitting an animal unintentionally. However, fleeing the scene and leaving the animal without assistance is an offense. It is punishable by a fine or imprisonment. A severe penalty is предусмотрed for drivers who hit an animal deliberately. 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 leave our path. If it is not frightened, we can try using the horn and flashing the headlights. (We should also be aware that headlights may attract the animal's attention and immobilize it directly in front of our approaching car.) Reducing speed and carefully going around the animal is the best solution; we should not get out of the car to scare it away, because it may be aggressive.
What do the officers advise?
When traveling on forest roads, it is worth following the principle of limited trust. Road administrators put up warning signs about wildlife in places where animal traffic is heavy. Remember, however, that animals are not bound by these signs and choose the routes they travel themselves. (Many people travel at night because they value lighter traffic on the road. However, in forested areas, animal movement increases significantly at that time).