Attention, animal crossing! This is how dangerous the time change is for drivers!

Attention, animal crossing! This is how dangerous the time change is for drivers!

Every year the clock changes from summer to winter time with much excitement. But many people didn't know that this measure could have serious consequences. Again Berlin courier reported, the clocks will be changed to winter time on the night of Saturday to Sunday. For many people, this not only means an arduous physical adjustment process, but also significant risks, especially in traffic.

The authorities are warning of an increased number of accidents involving wildlife in the weeks after the time change. This is because wild animals do not follow the clock, but rather their natural rhythm. With the change, rush hour traffic will increasingly occur at dusk, when wild animals are active. Especially in heavily wooded areas, as the Euskirchen police emphasize, the risk of collisions with wild animals increases.

Increased risk of accidents involving wildlife

In 2024, over 276,000 wildlife accidents were registered in Germany, which means an average of around 750 accidents every day. The greatest dangers lurk at dawn and dusk and on roads near meadows, fields and forests. According to that ZDF The period from October to December is particularly critical as many wild animals are looking for food and this greatly increases the likelihood of accidents.

Scientific studies show that the number of accidents increases by up to 10% after the time change. Data from the Fraunhofer Institute shows that a wild animal dies on German roads every 90 seconds. Many accidents occur especially between 6 and 7 a.m. - a time when twilight often coincides with rush hour traffic on the roads.

Prevention and precautions

The ADAC has issued various recommendations for drivers to minimize the risk of an accident involving wild animals. Drivers should pay attention to warning signs about wildlife crossings, reduce their speed and always be ready to brake. If situations arise in which wild animals cross the street, it is best to dim the headlights and honk several times to acoustically orient the animals and encourage them to flee.

If an accident occurs with wildlife, the scene of the accident should be secured and the police should be called, even if no one is injured. It should be noted that injured animals may not be pursued or touched independently. The German Hunting Association It also estimates that millions of animals die in road traffic every year, which also increases the number of unreported accidents involving wildlife to up to 250,000.

Acting quickly is also important to minimize damage. Photos of the scene of the accident are useful for dealing with the damage and hunters often also have to be informed. The following applies to everyone involved: stay calm and keep an overview! The time change not only brings confusion into human daily rhythms, but also dangerous situations for our animal neighbors.