Clocks are set back: The risk of wildlife accidents increases after the time change
When the clocks are set back, rush hour suddenly falls into twilight. Deer, wild boars and hares are particularly active then. When does it get critical on the road?
In Germany, the clocks will be set back to winter time on the night of October 24-25, 2026. This time change can lead to increased risks on the roads, particularly due to wildlife crossing, as animals such as deer, wild boar, and elk are most active during twilight hours. The German Hunting Association (DJV) warns that the days and weeks following the time change are especially hazardous, as the morning commute will coincide with the animals' peak activity periods.
Drivers are advised to exercise extreme caution, especially on roads through or near wooded areas, and to reduce their speed to allow for more reaction time.
Written by urgent.news from Handelsblatt's report — not a translation of it. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
