40 % of animal collisions occur in Q4

About 40 % of all annual animal collisions occur between October and December and November is the busiest month for animal collisions, according to Statistics from Pohjola Insurance.

From the perspective of elk collisions, autumn is the most dangerous season in traffic, said the OP in a press release referring to the statistics.

Dark autumn evenings, decreased food stores, and the start of the hunting season heighten the risk of animal collisions, particularly elk, reindeer and deer.

The start of the hunting season in particular sets elk on the move. This year, the hunting season starts on 2 October in Lapland, Kainuu, and North Ostrobothnia, and on 9 October elsewhere in Finland, lasting until 15 January 2022.

“You should be extra cautious when driving at dusk or night. According to our statistics, approximately every third animal collision occurs at night between 10 pm and 6 am,” said Kristian Hiljander, Director of Vehicle Insurance at Pohjola Insurance.

An animal collision damages the vehicle and, at worst, causes personal injuries. The average repair cost of a vehicle damaged in an animal collision is € 3,350, which is nearly 40 % higher than in a regular case of collision damage. Roughly one in twenty collisions with elk, deer or reindeer also injures the driver or passengers.

Caution and anticipation play a significant role in the prevention of collisions.