Wildlife collisions - how to reduce the risk

The scale of the problem

In the 2025–2026 hunting year, about 9,100 deer and elk were killed by cars and trains in Norway, according to Statistics Norway (SSB). That is an average of 25 animals every day. Roe deer are the most exposed: 6,830 roe deer were killed by cars. In addition, 1,000 elk died after being hit by a car. These are minimum figures, because not every collision is reported.

A roe deer can do serious damage to the car. An elk can also seriously injure the people in it. An adult elk can weigh several hundred kilos and has long legs, so its body often hits the windscreen and roof instead of the bumper.

When is the risk greatest?

Autumn and winter

Most collisions happen in autumn, from October to December. It gets dark early, and the hunting and rutting seasons make the animals move around a lot. In winter the risk rises sharply after heavy snowfall, because elk move down to the valley floor and often use the cleared road.

Morning and evening

The animals move most at the transition between night and day, which means in the morning and in the afternoon and evening. In autumn this happens in the dark, at the same time as many people are driving to and from work.

Where does it happen?

• In forest, and where forest meets farmland
• Along rivers and lakes
• Where the road crosses regular wildlife crossing routes
• Most collisions happen in Innlandet and Trøndelag

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How to reduce the risk

1. Take the warning sign seriously

The warning sign showing an elk or a deer is there because there have been many collisions on that stretch. Slow down and pay extra attention.

2. Slow down a little

Even 10 km/h less makes a real difference. From 80 km/h, the stopping distance on dry asphalt is about 54 metres: 22 metres while you react and 32 metres of braking distance. From 70 km/h it is about 44 metres. That gives you 10 extra metres to stop in, and if you do hit the animal, it happens at a lower speed.

3. Use high beam

High beam lets you see animals much earlier. You often see their eyes shine before you see the animal itself. Remember to switch to low beam for oncoming traffic and when you are driving close behind another car.

4. Watch the roadsides

Do not just look straight ahead. Keep an eye on both roadsides, especially where the forest grows close to the road.

5. One animal often means more

A cow elk often has a calf with her, and roe deer often move in groups. If one animal has crossed the road, more may follow right behind it.

6. Animals do unexpected things

An animal standing still at the roadside can suddenly run out, often right in front of the car. Slow down and be ready to stop until you are past it.

If an animal appears in front of the car

Brake as hard as you can and keep the steering wheel straight. Do not make sudden evasive manoeuvres. Running off the road or into the oncoming lane is often more dangerous than hitting the animal. Only steer away if you are sure it is safe.

After a wildlife collision

1. Stop in a safe place, switch on the hazard warning lights and put on a high-visibility vest. Set up the warning triangle.
2. If anyone is injured, call 113.
3. Call the police on 02800, even if the animal ran off or looked unhurt. Hitting an animal is not an offence, but failing to report it is.
4. Mark the spot with wildlife tape, a plastic bag or a piece of cloth, so the tracking dog can find the animal's trail.
5. Do not go near an injured animal, and do not try to put it down yourself. The police will send the municipal wildlife team.
6. Take photos of the damage to the car and report it to your insurance company.

Insurance

Damage to the car from a wildlife collision is normally covered by comprehensive insurance. Check your terms, because cover and excess vary between insurers.

What the theory test asks

What to do after a collision, and how speed affects stopping distance, are part of the syllabus for the car theory test. The most important advice is still simple: Keep your speed down where there is wildlife, especially at dusk and in the dark.