Traffic accidents caused by cynegetic species, i.e. wild animals being hunted, such as boar, deer or cords, represent arisksignificant on Spanish roads, especially in rural areas close to hunting grounds. These incidents with cynegetic species not only cause considerable material damage, but can also result in serious or even fatal injuries to the occupants of the vehicles involved.
Statistics and trends
According to data from the Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT), in 2022 there were 35,661 road accidents involving animals, of which 62% involved wild animals (cynetic species).
Within the cynegetic species, the boar was the most frequently involved animal, representing 40% of these accidents, followed by the corzo with 12%. Most of these accidents occurred on conventional roads (86%) and the most common type of accident was the animal hit (69%), followed by road exits (25%).
It is important to note that, although the number of accidents with material damage has increased in the last decade, the number of deaths and serious injuries has shown a downward trend.
Contributing factors
Various factors influence the frequency of these accidents:
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Increase in the Population of Wild Fauna: The proliferation of species such as boar in certain regions increases the likelihood of encounters with road vehicles.
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Night habits: Many cynetic species are more active during the night, which increases the risk of collisions under low visibility conditions.
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Proximity to Forest and Fishing Areas: The roads that cross or link with natural areas and hunting grounds are more prone to animal eruption on the road.
Legal liability
Spanish legislation provides that, in general,driveris responsible for the damage caused by the collision with cynetic species. However, there are exceptions:
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Collective Hunting Actions: If the accident is a direct result of a major collective hunting action (such as a horse or whiting) on the same day or in the previous 12 hours, the owner of the hunting ground may be held responsible.
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Weaknesses in the Way: If the accident is due to the lack of road maintenance or the absence of adequate animal risk signalling, the road management may be responsible.
These provisions are reflected in the Law on the Traffic, Movement of Motor Vehicles and Road Safety.
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Prevention measures
To reduce the incidence of these accidents, the following measures are recommended:
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Suitable signage: Installation of signals warning about the possible presence of animals in high-incidence sections.
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Population control: Management of populations of cynegetic species to avoid their overabundance.
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Preventive infrastructure: Placing fences and steps of fauna that allow the crossingSure.of animals without interfering in the road.
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Conductor awareness:: Information campaigns to alert drivers to the risk and the areas most prone to these accidents.
An example of these measures is the recent initiative in A Coruña, where fences with inhibitors have been installed in areas with easy access by boars to roads, especially on the AP-9 and the N-VI motorway, to prevent future casualties.
Recommendations for drivers
Drivers may take certain precautions to minimize the risk:
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Attention to Signalling:: Pay attention to signals indicating the possible presence of animals and reduce speed in these areas.
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Preventive Driving: Maintain moderate speed and be attentive especially during sunrise and dusk, moments of higher animal activity.
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Avoid Brusca Manifestations: If an animal appears on the track, it is preferable to stop in a controlled manner and maintain the path, as evasive maneuvers can cause road exits or collisions with other vehicles.
In conclusion, traffic accidents with cynegetic species are a relevant problem in Spain that requires the collaboration of authorities, hunting and drivers to implement effective prevention and mitigation measures.
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