Timing matters: shifts in traffic intensity impact the risk of wildlife-vehicle collisions

Wildlife–vehicle collisions (WVC) result from the interaction between traffic and wildlife. While traffic is structured by clock time, wildlife activity is governed by daylight, leading to seasonal variation in their temporal overlap. Using WVC data from Germany and hourly traffic estimates, we examined how daylight-saving time (DST) alter this overlap and affect collision risk. We found that DST-induced changes in traffic intensity significantly influenced WVC rates, however, residual variation suggested deviations from a strictly proportional response across situations. In spring, the shift of traffic into dawn was associated with higher-than-expected WVC rates, a pattern consistent with seasonal increases in wildlife movement. Variation in WVC responses was more pronounced at dawn, indicating that factors beyond traffic intensity may contribute to observed patterns. DST effects on WVC, therefore, differ from patterns observed in other regions, emphasizing the importance of considering species ecology and regional conditions when informing management decisions.