How to Avoid Collisions with Wildlife: Practical Tips for Drivers

Wildlife collisions are among the most common traffic incidents in the Czech Republic, causing not only property damage but also injuries—and in the worst cases, fatalities. These crashes happen unexpectedly, often at dusk or in areas with frequent animal movement. This article brings you key tips to minimize the risk, factors that affect road safety, and tools that can help protect you while driving.

Every year, thousands of wildlife collisions occur in the Czech Republic, and the consequences can be serious. The statistics make clear how significant the problem is and why prevention in high-risk times and places is essential. Below is an overview of important figures that underscore the need for the right response on the road.

Wildlife Collision Statistics in the Czech Republic

• 17,000 wildlife collisions every year
• 43,593 CZK average property damage per collision
• 3 fatalities annually caused by wildlife collisions
• 21 serious injuries and over 150 minor injuries each year
• October and November are the most high-risk months
• Dusk and dawn are the riskiest times of day

👉 Keep reading to learn how to reduce your risk of a wildlife collision.

Driving an off-road vehicle at night on a forest path, which poses an increased risk of wildlife collision.

High-Risk Places and Times: When and Where to Stay Alert

One of the best preventive steps is knowing when and where the risk increases. Wildlife collisions are most frequent during specific seasons and in particular locations where animals are more active. A concise table can highlight the key periods and areas where incidents are more likely.

Seasons and Time of Day

Spring and autumn bring elevated wildlife activity as animals migrate, forage, and move into more open areas. During these months, the risk of collisions rises significantly—especially where animals travel between forests and fields. Expect more movement and adjust your vigilance accordingly.

Environments and Hotspots

Forest edges, fields, and meadows are the most common settings for wildlife collisions. Roads that cut across migration routes raise the risk, particularly when animals move between wooded and open terrain. Treat such stretches as high-risk corridors.

Clues in Traffic

In some high-risk areas you’ll see road signs warning of wildlife. Blue reflectors on roadside posts serve a similar purpose—signaling increased animal activity. These cues help drivers stay alert and buy precious seconds to react, lowering the risk of a crash.

👉 A clear table can summarize the key periods and locations where collisions occur more often.

Risk area with low visibility where the likelihood of collision with wildlife is higher.

Driver Tips: How to Avoid a Wildlife Collision

If you drive during high-risk periods, plan for the possibility of encountering animals. The following practical tips can meaningfully improve your odds:

Watch for Eye Shine in Your Headlights

If you catch the reflection of an animal’s eyes, slow down immediately and prepare for unpredictable movement. Animals rarely cross in a straight line and may change direction suddenly. Keep a safe following distance and an appropriate speed so you have time to respond if an animal darts onto the road.

Assume Animals Move in Groups

If you see one animal, expect others. A roe deer is often followed by another; if it’s a red deer, there may be several. Never ignore signs of wildlife presence—some species (such as deer or wild boar) often travel in numbers.

Use High Beams—Then Dip Them as Soon as You Spot an Animal

High beams help you see farther and detect animals earlier. But once you spot an animal, dip your lights. Shining directly into their eyes can confuse or frighten them, triggering panic and sudden, unpredictable movement that increases crash risk.

Slow Down—Even If Others Pressure You

When you’re in a high-risk area, your safety matters more than someone else’s pace. Reducing speed gives you crucial reaction time if wildlife appears. Those few seconds can be the difference between a close call and a collision.

Additional Prevention: Helpful Tech and Tools

Modern technology can play a big role in preventing wildlife collisions. Beyond common in-car systems and apps, several tools can further enhance safety:

Ultrasonic Wildlife Whistles

These devices emit sound waves that animals find unpleasant, deterring them from roadways. They’re especially useful on long stretches with frequent wildlife activity and can lower the likelihood of encounters.

Reflective and Scent Repellents

Installed along roadsides, these can redirect animals away from the carriageway. Reflective deterrents are helpful in low-visibility areas by signaling a hazardous stretch. Scent-based repellents use strong odors to discourage animals from approaching the road.

Preparing for Risky Situations: Slow Down, Scan, Be Ready

Prevention is the most effective protection. Choosing the right speed, scanning your surroundings, and adjusting your driving in known wildlife areas all reduce risk. If you’re traveling through regions with high animal activity, slow down and stay alert. A few seconds can mean the difference between a safe journey and a crash.

Conclusion: Prevention Is the Best Protection

Preventing wildlife collisions is critical to safe driving—especially in high-risk areas. Follow the recommended practices and use available technology to minimize risk.
Remember: slowing down, paying attention, and responding correctly can save lives—yours and the animals’.

👉 Want to know what to do after a wildlife collision? Read part two of this series for a step-by-step guide to responding properly after an incident.