The incident occurred on March 13, during the night. As reported by Dolnośląskie Alarmowo:

(...) a road incident involving a wolf occurred on the Czerwona Woda–Jeleniów route (DW296) in Bolesławiec County.

It added: – The wild animal ran directly under an approaching passenger vehicle and was hit. Unfortunately, it had no chance of survival.

Emergency services are appealing to drivers to exercise particular caution near forests, as well as meadows and fields, where wild animals searching for food often enter the road. The simplest way to avoid a collision is simply to take your foot off the accelerator.

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 searching for food.

This can happen not only in the forest itself, but also near 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 must not simply be left to fend for itself. 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 threat to other road users. Then the emergency services must be notified. 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. It is easiest to check it on a smartphone or give the number from the roadside kilometer marker.

Do not be afraid to call for help. There is no penalty for unintentionally hitting an animal. 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 provided 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 may attract the animal’s attention and immobilize it directly in front of our approaching car)
  • slowing down and carefully passing around 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 services advise?

  • when traveling on forest roads, it is advisable to exercise caution and not assume that conditions are safe
  • road administrators install warning signs about wildlife in places where animal movement is intense. Let us remember, however, that animals are not bound by these signs and choose their own routes. (Many people travel at night because of the lighter traffic. However, in forested areas, animal activity increases significantly at that time).