Turn back the clock - danger of wildlife

Turn back the clock - danger of wildlife!

We are approaching the time of year when we change the clocks to winter time on October 29. Every time we go from summer time to standard time, we get an extra hour of sleep. It's a small change for humans, but it has significant consequences for animals. As we make this shift, wildlife faces unexpected challenges that can result in accidents and even death.

As darkness falls earlier, more animals are active during the evening rush hour, resulting in a much greater risk of collision with vehicles.

Here are some important steps and precautions drivers should take in these situations:

1. Drive carefully and be alert: As the clocks change on October 29, be aware of increased wildlife activity, especially at dusk and dawn. Drive carefully, avoid distractions like texting or fiddling with the radio, and watch roadsides for potential animals.
2. Warning signs for wild animals: In many areas where there are many wild animals, signs are put up along the road to warn drivers about possible crossings with wild animals. Look around for these signs and slow down. Remember that animals can also appear in the back without signs.
3. Use your high beams: If you are driving outside the city in areas where it is permitted to turn on your high beams, use them. Be sure to turn them off when approaching other drivers in your lane or oncoming traffic.
4. Brake but don't dodge: If an animal is crossing your path, you may instinctively try to dodge, but this can be very dangerous when driving at high speed, as it can lead to loss of control and potentially result in a more serious accident. Instead, brake hard and stay in your lane.
5. Look out for more than one animal: Wild animals often move in groups, so keep that in mind when you spot an animal, as there may be more nearby. Slow down and prepare for more animals to appear.
6. Be patient and give space When you meet an animal on the road, especially larger animals like deer, give them time to cross the road, larger animals like a deer, give them time to cross the road. Avoid pushing or trying to rush them. If you see an animal and you think it saw you because it moved back to the bush or forest, it may still turn and run in front of you because it is unpredictable.
7. Report injured animals: Contact the Animal Protection Center free of charge on telephone number 1812 if you have seen or hit an animal. They will give you instructions on what to do in these situations.
8. Maintain your vehicle: Check your vehicle's brakes, tires and headlights so you have a much better chance of spotting wildlife and stopping before it's too late.
9. Place a game whistle on your car - the speed causes the whistle to emit an ultrasound - the frequency is between 20-30 kHz, which causes the game to run back to safety.