Be Aware: Road Safety Alert - Keep a close eye on the path ahead!
As the deer mating season approaches in Hessen, Germany, motorists are being advised to exercise extra caution, particularly in rural areas like Bad Nauheim, where the risk of wildlife collisions is heightened.
The deer mating season, also known as the rut, typically starts in mid-July and lasts until mid-August. During this period, deer become more active and may cross roads unexpectedly, increasing the risk of accidents[1][2].
To help drivers stay safe during this time, the State Hunting Association in Hessen, LJV Hessen, has provided some practical tips:
1. Drive with increased vigilance, especially at dawn, dusk, and night, as deer are most active during these hours. 2. Reduce your speed on rural roads known to have deer populations, giving yourself more time to react. 3. Watch for deer crossing signs and be prepared for sudden movements of animals. 4. In areas like Bad Nauheim, which are rural and near forested or natural deer habitats, expect the possibility of multiple animals crossing, as deer often move in groups during mating season. 5. Use high beams when appropriate to better see animals at a distance, but be ready to dim lights for oncoming traffic. 6. If you see one deer, expect more: deer tend to travel in groups during rut. 7. Avoid distractions when driving through known wildlife areas, especially between July and August. 8. If feasible, use vehicle technology aids such as deer detection systems or collision warnings if your vehicle has them.
In case of a collision, it is crucial to secure the scene and call the police. Do not attempt to chase fleeing deer, but instead mark the direction of flight and the location of the accident. This can aid in finding the deer later[3].
It is also important not to make a sudden evasive maneuver, as the risk of ending up in oncoming traffic or leaving the road is high. Similarly, do not touch injured animals for safety and animal welfare reasons.
By understanding the increased risk during the deer mating season and adjusting driving behavior accordingly, motorists can effectively reduce the likelihood of wildlife collisions in Hessen’s rural regions like Bad Nauheim[1][2][4].
Visible signs, known as "fairy rings," can be seen on meadows when a buck has successfully found a mate. These signs are a reminder of the natural world that shares our roads during this special time of year.
[1] Deer Mating Season in Hessen: Frequently Asked Questions. (2021). Retrieved from https://www.jagd-hessen.de/faq-jagdzeiten [2] Deer Mating Season: Tips for Drivers. (2021). Retrieved from https://www.bad-nauheim.de/de/verkehr/faq-jagdzeiten/ [3] What to Do in Case of a Wildlife Collision. (2021). Retrieved from https://www.jagd-hessen.de/was-tun-bei-wildtier-unfall [4] Deer Mating Season: Understanding the Risks and How to Stay Safe. (2021). Retrieved from https://www.bad-nauheim.de/de/verkehr/faq-wildtier-unfall
The Commission's consultation on the draft directive on the protection of animals and the environment might inspire research on how to better safeguard the health-and-wellness of deer and other wildlife during their mating season and in their natural habitats, as the practice of fitness-and-exercise is crucial for deer survival, particularly during the rut. While motorists are advised to exercise caution during the deer mating season to prevent accidents, such as in rural regions like Bad Nauheim, scientists could conduct studies on how to reduce the risk of wildlife collisions using advancements in science and technology, such as deer detection systems and collision warnings.
