Traffic accidents with wild boar are so common in Galicia that they place the autonomous community in the second position in the country in terms of wild animal abuse. Almost 13% of vehicle collisions with wild animals in Spain occur in Galicia and with wild boar.
The figures referred to a study with data between November 1, 2015 and October 31, it shows the seriousness of a phenomenon that occurs above all in autumn and winter, on interurban roads, on weekends and in the hours of less light. The time of the year is related to the hunting season of the boar.
But not only accidents with wild boar occur in Galicia. Roe deer are also other animals of this group (beyond the domesticated) that is involved in accidents. In the community they account for 20% of the affected species, and in the month of May they almost equal to the wild boar in this balance: they are 47% of the collisions, while the wild boar are 51%. Faced with these two predominant species, the losses of deer and foxes are minimal, do not exceed 10% of deer (only in June) or 7% with foxes (in October).
In the whole of Spain, there is some variation in the species with the most accidents. Undoubtedly the wild boar heads the list, but with a more discreet 35% of the events; and the roe deer follows, and in this case with percentages higher than Galicia, since it is about 25%. But in the third position go the dogs, that suffer 22 of each 100 abuses. The rest of the wild animals have minimum percentages: deer, foxes, horses, cats, sheep, cows and hares account for between 4 and 0.7% of accidents.
Burgos, at the head
Interestingly in Galicia, and despite the existence of numerous cattle, equine and cattle, these species are not among the most trampled. It must be taken into account that its presence is quite limited to mountainous areas where it is mainly driven during the day and at a lower speed due to the layout of the roads and the presence of these animals.
To a greater or lesser extent, all the abuses add up and in Galicia can cause about 1,400 accidents in each year, what happens is that practically all are settled without human victims and therefore are not more serious than material damages, which are usually important The latest data published by the DGT on accidents involving human victims are from 2016 and, according to its registration, in Spain there were 427 accidents with 554 injured, although only 4 were fatal and cost the lives of as many drivers.
What to do in case of an accident?
The experts give a series of recommendations for drivers to react in case of risk of collision or accident with wild animals. It is important to always notify the Civil Guard.
What to do if you see a group of animals?
If you see animals on the road, the first rule is to avoid swerves and sudden movements, because it is a very easy way to lose control of the vehicle.
How do you face an imminent shock?
A trick that can be applied is not to look for the animal, but for the place where you want to take the vehicle and step on the brake thoroughly trying to collide with the quadruped. At the last moment, before the impact, you must lift the foot of the brake so that the nose of the car rises slightly and avoid, as far as possible, the animal crashing against the windshield and entering the passenger compartment.
Should we tell someone about the event?
After the crash, you have to act as you would in case of any accident, although the most important thing is that no one approaches the animal, which could be injured and become dangerous, worsening the final situation.
Experts in road safety recommend stopping the car as soon as possible by stopping in a safe place outside the road. You have to put on the reflective vest and signal the accident. Then it is when you should check the status of the vehicle and always call the Civil Guard (or the competent authority on traffic) to communicate the fact.
Can you give a part to the car insurance?
It is as convenient as before any accident, although we must also take into account that most insurance, if they include this type of collision, requires an official part.
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