Autumn raises the risk of collisions with wild animals

Drivers in Latvia face a greater risk of encountering wild animals on roads in autumn and winter, LSM reports. Experts advise reducing speed and staying alert, as drivers may have only seconds to react.

Elk and deer have recently finished their rutting season, while roe deer gather in groups in autumn to get through the winter. Animals also move more across their territories during the colder seasons, and must cross roads as they travel, said Māris Lielkalns, a representative of Riga National Zoo.

Drivers should also be aware that one roe deer may be followed by others. Raccoon dogs and foxes feed more heavily in autumn to build up fat reserves. The carcass of a small animal killed on the road may also attract scavengers, including foxes, ravens and crows, Lielkalns said.

Safe-driving expert Normunds Lagzdiņš said there is no universal response if an animal suddenly runs in front of a car. Drivers can brake or swerve, but braking should come first to reduce the vehicle’s speed and limit the consequences of a collision.

Swerving after slowing down may be the best option, but a manoeuvre at 90 or 110 kilometres per hour can reduce a car’s grip and cause it to skid, Lagzdiņš said. The consequences can be serious for drivers who are not trained to handle such situations.

Lagzdiņš advises using high beams for as long as possible without disturbing other drivers. With dipped headlights, drivers can see only about 40 to 50 metres ahead at night. A car travels 25 metres in one second, he said.