Wildlife Accidents: 50 Million Francs in Property Damage
In Switzerland, wildlife accidents cause 50 million francs in property damage every year. The cantons of Jura, Graubünden, and Fribourg are particularly affected.
In the cantons of Jura, Graubünden, Fribourg, and Thurgau, the probability of a collision with a wild animal is particularly high, as claims data from AXA shows.
Across Switzerland, the total damage is estimated at more than 50 million francs. In the event of a collision, the police must be notified immediately — otherwise one risks criminal prosecution for animal cruelty.
Every year, thousands of wild animals lose their lives in road traffic. AXA alone, Switzerland's largest motor vehicle insurer, receives reports of more than 3,000 wildlife accidents every year. The total damage amounts to around 11 million francs per year; across Switzerland as a whole, the figure is likely to exceed 50 million francs.
Increased Risk in Four Cantons
The probability of colliding with an animal is not the same in all regions of Switzerland. Drivers should be especially cautious in the cantons of Jura, Graubünden, Fribourg, and Thurgau — where the risk is up to seven times higher than in other cantons.
Caution During Morning and Evening Traffic
The danger of a wildlife accident exists in principle at any time of day or year. “Particular caution is advised in October, November, and December. As the days grow shorter, wild animals are on the move more frequently at the same time as drivers. In addition, it is dark during the morning and evening rush hours, which means animals on the road are often spotted only at the last moment” says Michael Pfäffli, Head of AXA Accident Research.
Report Wildlife Accidents to the Police Immediately
If a wild animal does suddenly jump out in front of your car, a full emergency stop is preferable to any swerving maneuver. Should a collision occur nonetheless, the law requires that the police be notified immediately. The police will then dispatch game wardens, hobby hunters, or other specialists to search for the injured animal and, if necessary, put it out of its misery.
«Anyone who reports the incident to the police only later, or only after being prompted by their insurance company, is acting unlawfully and risks criminal prosecution for animal cruelty», says AXA-ARAG legal expert Cyril Senn. «If you fail to report an accident involving an animal to the police without delay, the animal may be left to suffer in pain for hours. This constitutes a violation of the Animal Welfare Act and can result in a conviction for animal cruelty and an entry in the criminal record.»
Insurance note
Material damage to the vehicle will be covered if partial or fully comprehensive insurance is in place and the accident has been documented by the police.
