Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for reindeer to find their way onto major country roads.
In the last six years, a whopping 13,000 accidents involving reindeer occurred on Swedish roads, which is an average of over 2,000 accidents a year. In many cases the animals die from their injuries.
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Appealing to the drivers
Jon-Krista Jonsson is a reindeer owner in Ran’s Sami village in Västerbotten, and appeals to motorists to take it easy this Easter.
– Take your time on the journey and experience nature. Then there is also a greater chance that you will spot reindeer in time, he says TV4.
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Look out for black plastic bags
In northern Sweden, you often see black garbage bags tied to poles by the side of the road.
According to Jon-Krista Jonsson, the purpose of these is to make drivers aware that something is happening further ahead, and in many cases it is about ongoing reindeer herding.
If you see a black garbage bag on the side of the road, it’s time to slow down. Jon-Krista Jonsson also advises that fresh tracks left by reindeer or snowmobiles can be a sign of ongoing reindeer herding nearby.
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Your obligations in the event of an accident
Should you end up in an accident with a reindeer, the same rules apply as in the case of a game accident, according to police website.
This means that you must call 112 and make a police report – not doing this is a criminal offence.
You must also place a warning triangle and mark the location of the accident on the side of the road where the reindeer disappeared. You must do this even if the reindeer is not left, injured or dead, at the site.
Overtaking will be prohibited here at Easter