Mazovian police are warning of the increasing risk of collisions with wild animals. Between November 4 and 5, 2026, a series of dangerous road incidents was recorded in which vehicles collided with moose and a roe deer. The most serious accident took place in the evening of November 4 in Goleczki, where three people were hospitalized following a collision between an Audi and a moose. Although the injuries do not pose a threat to their lives, officers treat these incidents as a serious reminder of the threat posed by the presence of large animals on the roadway, especially in autumn.
Collisions on Mazovian Roads
The first report concerned an incident in Goleczki. Around evening on November 4, 2026, a 45-year-old driver of an Audi struck a moose that suddenly rushed onto the road. Three people were injured in the incident: the driver and two female passengers. They were transported to a medical facility, but according to authorities, their condition is not serious.
Subsequent dangerous situations occurred on November 5. Early in the morning, a few minutes after 6:00 AM, a car collided with a roe deer in Podnieście. Fortunately, in this case, no road users were injured. In the afternoon, after 5:00 PM, in Cerkwi within the Zakrzew commune, a 35-year-old driver of an Opel collided with a moose. The animal died as a result of the impact, while the people traveling in the car emerged from the collision unharmed.
Autumn Conditions and Safety
According to the police, autumn is a period conducive to the appearance of wild animals on roads. The rapid onset of dusk, limited visibility, and weather conditions such as rain or fog extend braking distance and reduce the driver's reaction time. Large mammals, such as moose or deer, can rush onto the roadway in the final seconds, making it impossible for the driver to stop the vehicle safely.
It is worth paying attention to road signage. Warning sign A-18b indicates the possible appearance of wild animals. Police emphasize that ignoring this signage can lead to tragedy. Special caution should be exercised in the vicinity of forests, fields, and meadows, where animals move most intensely.
Recommendations for Drivers
To minimize the risk of an accident, the police appeal for adherence to several basic rules. First, speed should be adjusted to visibility and prevailing conditions, especially after dark and at dawn. Second, drivers should carefully observe the road shoulders and surroundings. Seeing one animal may indicate that other individuals are nearby, so one should slow down and remain vigilant.
In the event of a sudden appearance of an animal on the road, it is crucial to remain calm. Speed should be reduced and sudden steering movements avoided, as these can result in a loss of control of the vehicle. In the event of a collision, the car must be stopped in a safe place, hazard lights turned on, and help called at number 112 if necessary. Do not approach an injured animal, which may behave unpredictably.