German state hunting association warns: roe deer mating season raises collision risk, drivers told to brake not swerve
The Landesjagdverband, a German state hunting association, says roe deer are crossing roads unpredictably throughout the day during their mating season, and advises motorists to brake firmly rather than swerve if an animal appears.
The seasonal spike
Roads flanked by woods, meadows and fields become more dangerous in the coming weeks as roe deer enter their breeding season, the Landesjagdverband warns. The association says the mating period has already started in some parts of its region and is now beginning in others, triggering a sharp increase in wildlife-vehicle collisions.
Deer cross roads significantly more often at this time, and not only at dawn and dusk but also during the day.
The heightened risk is concentrated on rural roads, where deer are more likely to bolt onto the carriageway.
Why deer become erratic
Markus Stifter, the association's press spokesman, explained that male roe deer (bucks) pursue does with great persistence during the rut. This chase causes the animals to shed much of their usual caution.
In doing so, the animals lose part of their otherwise pronounced wariness and often cross roads completely without warning.
Motorists are urged to expect deer crossings not just at twilight but around the clock.
Brake, don't swerve
If a deer suddenly appears on the road, the Landesjagdverband recommends braking hard rather than taking evasive action. Stifter said a direct collision with a deer is frequently less severe than an uncontrolled swerve into oncoming traffic or a tree.
A collision with a deer is often less consequential than an uncontrolled evasive manoeuvre into oncoming traffic or against a tree.
After a collision
In the event of a wildlife accident, drivers must dial the emergency number immediately. Injured animals should never be touched or chased. If the deer runs off after impact, motorists should clearly mark the direction it fled, which helps hunters or police locate the wounded animal.
Where and when
The advisory originates from Bad Nauheim, a town in the state of Hesse. The association’s warning applies to all drivers travelling along rural roads bordered by forests, fields, or meadows, especially during the current mating season that spans several weeks.
