Lithuanian police launch prevention campaign against animal collisions

Lithuanian police, in partnership with UAB ‘Autoaibė’, have launched the ‘Švilpukas saugo’ (Whistle Protects) prevention campaign to combat the rising number of wildlife collisions on roads. The initiative involves distributing 2,000 ultrasonic whistles to drivers across 15 cities, including Vilnius, Kaunas, and Klaipėda.

The campaign coincides with the transition to winter time, which results in earlier darkness. This period aligns with peak animal activity, particularly for deer and moose, between 17:00 and 23:00. Statistics indicate a significant increase in incidents; while 2,422 collisions were recorded in 2017, the number has risen sharply, with 7,604 recorded in 2025, averaging nearly 21 collisions per day.

While most incidents result in vehicle damage and driver stress, some lead to serious accidents involving human casualties. In 2025, 21 such accidents occurred, resulting in one death and 21 injuries. Experts note that while ultrasonic whistles serve as an additional tool, driver vigilance remains the most critical factor in preventing accidents.