Autumn brings an increased risk of collisions between vehicles and wildlife. In an interview with Aktuálně.cz, BESIP head Tomáš Neřold explains how drivers should react. Research by the Transport Research Centre (CDV) also highlights the risks associated with evasive manoeuvres.
Autumn is a period of increased risk of collisions between vehicles and wildlife. Reduced visibility, dusk and animal movements near roads require greater attention from drivers. What should you do when a deer suddenly appears in front of your car, and why might swerving not be the safest response?
In an interview with Aktuálně.cz, Tomáš Neřold, head of the BESIP department, discusses common risks and offers practical advice for drivers. He points out that one animal crossing the road may be followed by others, and that a sudden evasive manoeuvre can lead to a skid or a collision with a fixed obstacle or an oncoming vehicle.
What does research by the Transport Research Centre show?
The risks associated with evasive manoeuvres are also highlighted by a Czech study published in the journal Injury in 2024. Researchers from the Transport Research Centre analysed police records of road traffic accidents from 2009 to 2022. Among vehicle occupants, an evasive manoeuvre was associated with approximately 68 times higher odds of injury than a direct collision with an animal. Failure to wear seat belts also worsened the consequences of accidents.
CDV has long been involved in research on vehicle–wildlife collisions, including the analysis and evaluation of the SRNA Index, developed in cooperation with Generali Česká pojišťovna. The index tracks the scale of the problem, its temporal and regional patterns, and high-risk locations on Czech roads. The resulting data help improve understanding of these collisions and provide a basis for targeted preventive measures.
How should drivers respond when they encounter wildlife?
Key recommendations include adjusting speed to the conditions, monitoring not only the road but also its surroundings, and anticipating the possibility of an animal suddenly entering the road, especially in high-risk areas. If a collision cannot be avoided, BESIP advises drivers to brake firmly and keep the vehicle moving in a straight line rather than making a risky, sudden steering manoeuvre.
If a collision occurs, drivers should stop in a safe place, secure the accident scene and contact the police. They should not approach an injured animal or attempt to move it themselves.