Road accidents involving wildlife: a comprehensive guide for hunters travelling to their hunting grounds

A day’s hunting begins long before you reach the hunting grounds. Preparing your kit, checking your vehicle and planning your route are all part of a routine that many hunters know well.

However, there is one risk that is often underestimated: road accidents caused by wildlife darting onto the road.

Journeys in the early morning or at dusk, which are common in hunting, coincide precisely with the times of greatest activity for species such as wild boar, roe deer and red deer. Furthermore, these journeys often take place on secondary roads, local roads or in rural areas where animals are frequently encountered.

Understanding how to prevent this type of accident and knowing how to react if one does occur is essential to protecting our own safety and that of the other occupants of the vehicle.

Why are hunters at greater risk of these accidents?

Although any driver can be involved in a collision with wildlife, hunters are particularly at risk for several reasons:

• They often travel before dawn or after dusk.
• They frequently drive on secondary roads where visibility is reduced.
• Many routes pass through woodland, farmland or areas with a high density of game.
• At certain times of the year, such as the rutting or dispersal seasons for some species, animal activity increases considerably.

For this reason, adopting defensive driving habits should form part of the preparation for any trip into the countryside.

The species most likely to cause accidents and how they behave

Understanding the behaviour of the main game species can help us anticipate risky situations.

Wild boar: unpredictable and often in groups

The wild boar is one of the species most frequently involved in road traffic accidents in many parts of Spain.
Some characteristics to bear in mind:

• They usually travel in family groups or herds.
• If an adult crosses the road, it is very likely that others will follow immediately afterwards.
• They are highly active at night and at dusk and dawn.
• They are particularly abundant in areas with nearby crops and woodland.

Furthermore, due to their robust build and low height, collisions can cause significant damage to the front and underside of the vehicle.

Roe deer: the king of secondary roads

The roe deer is another species frequently involved in this type of accident.

Its behaviour can make it difficult for the driver to react:

• It makes rapid and seemingly erratic movements.
• It is sometimes disoriented by the vehicle’s headlights.
• During the rutting season, usually in summer, it moves about considerably more.
• It may remain hidden at the roadside until it suddenly dashes onto the carriageway.

Deer: less common, but potentially more serious

Although accidents involving deer are less common, their consequences can be more severe due to the animal’s size.

Key points:

• During the rutting season, males are on the move more frequently.
• Their large body mass can cause significant structural damage.
• They are more common in certain mountainous areas and large woodlands.

How to identify high-risk areas before an animal appears

Safe driving depends not only on reacting quickly, but also on knowing how to interpret your surroundings.

Pay attention to specific road signs

Warning signs indicating frequent animal crossings are installed on stretches of road where there is a history of incidents or where wildlife is commonly found.

Ignoring them can be a serious mistake.

Observe the road surroundings

There are certain factors that increase the likelihood of encountering animals on the road:

• Roads passing through wooded areas.
• Stretches near agricultural fields.
• Areas close to rivers, streams or water sources.
• Natural corridors between two woodlands.
• Areas with dilapidated game fences.

Exercise extreme caution at critical times

The times of greatest risk are usually concentrated:

• Between one hour before and one hour after dawn.
• From dusk until the early hours of the evening.

These are, in fact, the usual times for many hunting trips.

Defensive driving techniques to reduce risk

Adjust your speed to suit the surroundings

Driving within the legal speed limits does not always mean driving at a safe speed.

In areas with a high concentration of wildlife, it is advisable to reduce your speed to allow for a greater reaction time.

Reducing your speed by just 10 or 20 km/h can make a significant difference to your braking distance.

Keep a wide view of the road

Avoid focusing all your attention solely on the area illuminated by your headlights.

Scan the following areas:

• The roadside verges.
• Any reflections or movements amongst the vegetation.
• Areas where the terrain limits visibility.

Use your lights correctly

Where circumstances permit and without dazzling other road users:

• Full-beam headlights can help you spot animals earlier.
• When encountering oncoming traffic, switch back to dipped headlights immediately.

Maintain a safe following distance

If you’re travelling with others to the hunting ground, avoid driving too close to the vehicle in front.

A greater distance allows you to react better to unexpected braking.

What should you do if an animal suddenly appears?

If an animal runs out onto the road, the instinctive reaction is usually to try to swerve to avoid it. However, this manoeuvre can lead to more serious consequences.

Brake firmly and stay on course

The general advice is:

• Hold the steering wheel firmly.
• Brake hard but in a controlled manner.
• Keep the vehicle within its lane.

In vehicles fitted with ABS, firm and continuous pressure must be applied to the brake pedal.

Avoid sudden swerves

Trying to swerve to avoid the animal can lead to:

• Running off the road.
• Collisions with trees or safety barriers.
• Head-on collisions with other vehicles.

In many cases, these situations are more dangerous than the collision with the animal itself.

Remember that they rarely travel alone

Particularly in the case of wild boars, if one crosses the road, it is very likely that others will follow immediately afterwards.

Do not set off again hastily.

What to do if an accident occurs

Always prioritise safety

After the collision:

• Stop the vehicle in a safe place, wherever possible.
• Switch on your hazard warning lights.
• Put on your high-visibility vest before leaving the vehicle.
• Properly signal the incident in accordance with current regulations.

Check on the occupants

Assess whether anyone is injured and call for medical assistance where necessary.

Contact the emergency services

Call 112 to report the situation, particularly when:

• There are injuries.
• The animal is still on the road.
• There is significant damage.

Do not approach the animal

An injured animal may react aggressively and unpredictably.

This is particularly important in the case of wild boar.

Avoid:

• Handling it.
• Trying to move it.
• Killing it on your own initiative.

The relevant authorities will determine the appropriate course of action.

Document the incident properly

Whenever safety conditions allow:

• Take photographs of the vehicle.
• Document the animal’s position.
• Take photographs of the road and any road signs.
• Keep all the information required by your insurer.

Basic legal points you should be aware of

Liability in accidents involving wildlife may depend on a number of factors and on the regulations in force at the time.
Therefore:

• It is important to have a policy with adequate cover.
• You should review the terms and conditions of your insurance regularly.
• It is advisable to obtain an official report or statement where possible.

If you have any specific queries, it is best to consult your insurance company or a specialist directly.

Recommended safety kit for a hunter’s vehicle

In addition to your usual hunting kit, it may be useful to always carry the following in your vehicle:

• An approved high-visibility vest.
• A head torch or hand-held torch.
• A power bank for your mobile phone.
• Basic first-aid kit.
• Thermal blanket.
• Car charger.
• An easily accessible copy of your insurance documents.
• Drinking water and warm clothing in cold weather.

These items can be of great help in an emergency.

The best day’s hunting is one that ends safely

A hunter’s safety begins long before they set off into the countryside.

Driving carefully, adjusting your speed to the conditions, understanding wildlife behaviour and knowing how to react to unexpected situations are essential for minimising risks whilst travelling to the hunting ground.

Because, ultimately, the best trophy will always be returning home safe and sound after a day spent enjoying our passion for hunting.