Credit: MMTP
On Friday 13 October 2023, Luxembourg's Ministry of Mobility and Public Works, Sécurité Routière asbl and the Saint-Hubert Federation of Hunters of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg announced the launch of an awareness campaign aimed at encouraging road users to be extra vigilant during the "battue" (driven hunt) season.
This year's driven hunt season will begin on Saturday 14 October and last until Sunday 17 December. During this period, motorists are encouraged to be even more attentive to the edges of the road, especially where there are road signs warning of the risk of passing wild animals, and to adapt their speed when crossing a wooded area.
In the event of encountering a wild animal on the road, motorists are advised to reduce their speed, honk the horn and turn on the low beam headlights. The authorities warned, however, that the light intensity of the headlights may disturb animals and other road users. They added that wild animals often travel in packs.
If a collision is unavoidable, under no circumstances should a motorist attempt to avoid the animal, noted the authorities. Instead, motorists are advised to hold onto their steering wheel firmly with both hands while continuing the trajectory in a straight line and performing an emergency stop. In the event of a collision with wild animals, motorists should wear a safety vest when leaving their vehicle, turn on their hazard lights, secure the accident site and then inform the police.
The authorities also strongly advised against touching or moving the injured or deceased animal. Law enforcement will take charge of the situation or contact the relevant services.
Pedestrians (walkers) are advised to avoid these areas during the hunting season.
All the dates and locations of the driven hunts are detailed on the website www.geoportail.lu.
