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Wild animals crossing
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When you see the Zeichen
Reduce your speed and pay especially close attention to the edges of the carriageway, because wildlife can cross the road suddenly and often in groups. Be prepared to brake and adjust your distance from the vehicle in front, especially at dusk, at night and on winding or poorly visible sections through woodland or fields.
Rules
- Zeichen 142 warns of an increased danger from wildlife crossing; by itself, it does not impose any specific maximum speed.
- Your speed must be adjusted so that you can stop within the distance you can see to be clear.
- If the sign is displayed together with a speed limit, the stated maximum speed must be observed.
- After a collision with wildlife, the scene of the accident must be secured and the police must be notified; injured or dead animals must not simply be taken away.
- A Zusatzzeichen can indicate the length of the hazardous section or the distance to the start of the danger.
Tips
- Especially at dawn and dusk, expect wildlife to run onto the road from woodland, fields or dense vegetation.
- If you see an animal, brake in a controlled manner, dip your headlights if you are using high beam and sound your horn if necessary; more animals may follow immediately.
- Avoid a risky evasive manoeuvre into oncoming traffic or towards a tree; firm, controlled braking is usually safer.
- Increase your distance from the vehicle in front so that you have time to react if it suddenly brakes because of an animal.
Common misunderstandings
- The sign is mistakenly understood as a fixed speed limit. It requires a speed adapted to the specific danger, but does not itself state a numerical value.
- Many people do not expect further animals after seeing the first one. However, wildlife, especially deer and wild boar, may follow in groups.
- The sign is confused with Zeichen 101 „Gefahrstelle“. Zeichen 142 explicitly indicates the danger of wildlife crossing through its depiction of an animal.
Exam tip
A typical exam trap is whether Zeichen 142 automatically prescribes a specific maximum speed. The correct answer is: it does not specify a fixed number, but you must adapt your speed and readiness to brake to the increased danger of wildlife crossing.
Did you know
Gefahrzeichen are generally placed 150 to 250 metres before the danger point outside a geschlossene Ortschaft. On longer sections where wildlife may cross, a Zusatzzeichen can indicate the length of the hazardous stretch.
Frequently asked questions
Do I always have to slow down to a specific speed at Zeichen 142?
No, the sign does not specify a particular maximum speed. However, you must drive slowly enough to react to and stop for wildlife that suddenly appears within the distance you can see to be clear.
What should I do if a deer suddenly appears on the road?
Brake firmly but in a controlled manner, dip your headlights if you are using high beam and sound your horn if necessary. Do not swerve uncontrollably if this could create a danger from oncoming traffic, trees or other obstacles.
What must I do after a collision with wildlife?
Secure the scene of the accident, provide assistance if necessary and notify the police. Avoid touching injured wildlife if possible and under no circumstances take away a dead animal.
When is the danger of wildlife crossing particularly high?
It is particularly high at dawn and dusk and at night. At the edges of woodland and fields, you should also expect further animals to follow one animal.
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