Czech Republic road safety risks rise due to wildlife and weather

Road safety risks in the Czech Republic are increasing due to a combination of seasonal changes, wildlife activity, and adverse weather conditions. Experts from BESIP warn that the transition to winter time and shorter days increases the likelihood of collisions during twilight and dawn, when animals are most active. Recent droughts have also forced wildlife to migrate more frequently in search of food and water, contributing to an average of 100 wildlife collisions per day during certain periods.

Data indicates that approximately 30,000 wildlife collisions occur annually on Czech roads, with average damages costing around 53,000 CZK per incident. A significant gap in insurance coverage has been identified, as roughly one-third of new compulsory liability insurance policies do not include coverage for wildlife collisions.

Additionally, weather conditions such as fog and wet roads significantly impact accident rates. Analysis shows that wet surfaces contribute to about one-fifth of all accidents, with high risks noted in regions like Karlovarský and Liberecký. Experts recommend reducing speed below the posted limit during low visibility or in high-risk areas to mitigate these dangers.