Wildlife accidents increase in Germany and Austria during autumn

Authorities in Germany and Austria are warning of an increased risk of wildlife-related traffic accidents as autumn approaches. In the Upper Bavaria North police district, nearly 8,000 accidents involving deer and wild boar have already been recorded this year, as animals' peak activity times increasingly overlap with commuter traffic.

In Austria, data from the ÖAMTC indicates that 283 accidents involving wildlife resulted in 322 injuries in 2025, with the highest frequency of incidents occurring in Lower Austria, Upper Austria, and Styria.

Safety experts advise drivers against sudden evasive maneuvers, noting that swerving to avoid an animal can lead to fatal collisions with oncoming traffic or roadside obstacles. Instead, drivers are urged to brake firmly, maintain their lane, and avoid uncontrolled steering. Additional recommendations include reducing speed in forested areas, using horns to deter animals, and switching off high beams to avoid blinding them.