Press release 14.11.2024
Encountering reindeer on the roads –
Please don’t become a road hazard
Reindeer are magical animals to many visitors in Lapland. Thousands of people travel from all over the world to see them. Early winter is also a busy season in reindeer herding. Reindeer are migrating between their seasonal grazing areas, which are also punched through by roads. Hence, reindeer are a common sight on roadsides in autumn and early winter.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ap0iDbYYKf0
Sometimes the salting of roads because of ice, sleet, and freezing drizzle also attracts reindeer to the roads. Winter causes dangerous road conditions already as such, travelers can unknowingly add to this by stopping in the middle of the road to photograph reindeer.
In northern Finland, 4 000-5 000 reindeer injuries are caused by train and car traffic every year, mainly during October, November and December. Roads fragment habitats and animals do not naturally know how to avoid vehicles. The vast majority of damages and unnecessary suffering to animals could be avoided by responsible driving, comments Sanna Hast from the Reindeer Herders’ Association.
Stop only at a safe place
The most important factor in reducing the number of reindeer accidents is driving behavior.
Photographing scenery or reindeer can be tempting, but always look for a safe place to stop before doing this, Hast continues and reminds all drivers to “pay attention to traffic and possible animal crossings particularly in the quieter roads of Lapland. During the polar night, driving hours can be in low light, it might be necessary to reduce your driving speed. Statistically dusk and dawn are the most accident-prone times.”
The driver is not liable
Despite efforts of avoiding accidents, sometimes they happen nonetheless. In this situation Hast wants to remind travelers, to always call the emergency number 112. Even if the reindeer is hit only lightly, it is likely hurt. The driver or owner of the car is not liable for compensation for an injured or dead reindeer. Injuries caused by a reindeer accident are covered by the vehicle’s motor insurance. The Finnish Motor Insurers’ Centre compensates the reindeer killed in the traffic accident.
If an accident involving a reindeer occurs – Call 112
– Prohibit extra damages and take the reflective triangle to the road at least 100 meters from the car to warn others. Make sure to call 112 and give first aid if people are injured.
– Put down the reindeer or find a person who will do it for you.
– Call 112 even if you hit the reindeer mildly. Even if the reindeer continues, it is likely that it is hurt. Do not leave the animal to suffer.
– Move the carcass to the side of the road and mark it clearly.
– Inform your insurance company if there have been damages to persons or car.
For more information:
Reindeer Herders’ Association
https://paliskunnat.fi/reindeer-herders-association/reindeer-damages/traffic-damages/
Julkaisija: Aarre Jortikka - 14.11.2024
