A situation where a bird crashes into a car on the move always causes shock to the driver. Loud bang, the characteristic sound of a blow and possibly a crack in the windshield or dent on the hood instantly change mood on the road. For many motorists, this event becomes not just a technical incident, but an occasion to turn to folk beliefs and superstitions.
However, in addition to the mystical component, it is important to immediately switch to rational thinking. Traffic safety The integrity of the vehicle requires immediate damage assessment. Depending on the speed and size of the bird, the effects can range from a slight scare to severe body damage or glazing requiring expensive repairs.
In this article we will discuss in detail what promises such a sign from the point of view of esotericism, and how to competently act from the legal and technical side. You will know if you can get paid. CASCOHow to properly remove the traces of impact and whether to panic if a feathered guest decided to check the strength of your car.
Esoteric Interpretation: What is it about?
Folk wisdom says that there are no accidents, and a collision with a living creature on the road carries a certain amount of luck. symbolical. Most often, the bird is perceived as a messenger, carrying important information. If she crashed into a car, it could mean a drastic change in plans or a warning of upcoming events.
The interpretation depends on whether the bird is still alive. If the blow was mild and the feathered flew away, this is often interpreted as a sign that you managed to avoid a major disaster or a major one. negative. It is believed that the bird took the blow on itself, took away from you and your loved ones a serious danger that could wait on the way.
At the same time, the death of a bird or serious damage to the car esoteric associated with losses. It may not necessarily be material damage, but also a loss of time, energy or emotional balance. In such cases, it is recommended to be more careful in matters and quibble in the next few days.
⚠️ Note: Do not take the signs as a sentence. The mental state of the driver affects concentration at the wheel. If you think about the bad, the probability of error increases.
The first actions of the driver after the impact
If you feel a blow and realize that a bird has hit the car, the first thing you need to do is to calm down. Dramatic braking or maneuvering at high speed can lead to an accident with other participants in the movement, which will be much more dangerous than a collision with a bird.
After stopping on the side of the road, a visual inspection is necessary. Even if at speed it seemed that the impact was weak, the consequences could be hidden. Pay special attention windshieldhood, radiator grille and rear-view mirrors. Any crack can quickly grow under the influence of vibration or temperature drop.
☑️ Initial inspection of the vehicle
If the bird is left on the car, do not try to knock it down on the move. This can damage the paintwork or block the wipers. Carefully remove the carcass using gloves or a bag to avoid staining the cabin and hands, as feathers and body fluids may be infection.
Damage assessment: glass, bodywork and optics
The effects of the impact depend on the mass of the bird and the speed of the car. When driving along the highway, even a small bird turns into a projectile. Most often suffers windshield. The chip or "web" that appears requires immediate attention, otherwise the crack will go further, and a complete replacement of the glass will be required.
Body elements such as the hood or roof can get dents. If the impact occurred on the front, there is a risk of damage. cooler. In this case, antifreeze may begin to flow from the system, which will lead to overheating of the engine. Also, headlights and fog lights are often affected.
The table below gives an approximate estimate of possible damages depending on the type of collision:
| Type of damage | Possible consequences | Action required |
|---|---|---|
| Impact on glass | Scotch, radial crack. | Repair or replacement of glass |
| Hitting the hood | Dumps, chips of paint | Painting, dressing, polishing |
| Getting into the radiator | Antifreeze leak, overheating | Engine stop, tow truck call |
| Damage to the headlamp | Plastic crack, failure. | Replacement of the headlamp assembly |
Why are small birds dangerous?
Small birds, such as swallows or sparrows, often fly in flocks. The danger is not one bird, but a series of blows or hitting the air intake, which can lead to a stop of the engine.
Repair of damages on their own and in the service
If the damage is minor, for example, small marks on the paintwork or a slight coating of feathers, you can try to eliminate them yourself. Use it to remove organic residues specialty cleaners Or ordinary warm water with autoshampoo. Do not rub dry glass or bodywork so as not to scratch the surface.
Technology exists to remove dents on the hood without damaging paint PDR (Paintless Dent Repair). However, in garage conditions without experience, it is better not to experiment, so as not to stretch the metal. If a chip on the glass is formed, it can be temporarily glued with transparent tape so that the dirt does not get inside, and drive to the workshop.
In the event of serious damage, such as a broken radiator or a broken headlight, professional repair will be required. Modern diagnostics will help to identify hidden defects, for example, displacement of body elements or violation of the tightness of systems.
⚠️ Warning: If the engine overheating light is lit after the impact, stop immediately. Continued movement can lead to major repairs of the engine.
Use abrasive particle polymers only to remove persistent contaminants, but not for deep scratches – this can make the defect more noticeable.
Insurance: Will the insurance cover the damage?
The issue of insurance in case of collision with a bird is one of the most difficult. From the point of view PDDThis is not a road accident in the classical sense, as the bird is not a road user. However, the terms of the policy CASCO They can be interpreted differently.
Many insurance companies treat such cases as the impact of external factors or falling items. If insurance rules cover damages from “falling objects” or “actions of third parties” (although the bird is not a third party), there is a chance of payment. The key is the presence of damage to the body or glass.
To formalize the case, it is necessary:
- 📞 Call the insurance company immediately and report the event.
- 📸 Take detailed photos of the damage and the scene.
- 📝 Write a statement to the police (not always required, but preferably to record the fact).
- 🚗 Provide the car for examination by an expert.
It is worth remembering that even with a positive decision, the payment can be reduced by the amount of the loan. franchise. If the cost of repairs is lower than the franchise, there is no economic sense to apply to the insurance.
The success of receiving a CASCO payment depends on the specific wording in your policy and your willingness to provide evidence of the fact of the impact.
Prevention and protection of the vehicle on the way
It is impossible to completely insure yourself against encountering birds, but you can minimize the risks. On highways, especially near water bodies, fields and forest plantations, the probability of collision is higher. In such areas it is recommended slow down Be prepared for animals to appear on the road.
To protect the radiator and headlights, special protective nets (deflectors) can be used. They take a hit and change easily in case of damage. There are also protective films for windshield And a hood that dampens the impact energy and prevents chipping.
It is important to keep the glass and headlights clean. Dirty glass has microcracks and bursts much more readily when hit than clean. Regular washing and processing hydrophobic Improves visibility and reduces the risk of damage.
Can I recover damages from the owner of the bird?
Theoretically, if the bird is domestic (for example, pigeons from the attic of a neighboring house or farm bird), and it is possible to prove the guilt of the owner, recovery is possible. However, in the case of wild birds, this is not possible.
What if a bird gets stuck in a radiator?
Do not try to pull it out by force, so as not to damage the radiator honeycombs. It is better to gently wash the place with water under pressure or contact the service to remove the bumper if the carcass blocks airflow.
Is this considered a traffic accident?
No, collision with an animal (bird) is not a traffic accident in the legal sense, since the animal is not a road user. However, the damage is necessary for insurance purposes.
Are the remains of the bird dangerous to health?
Wild birds can be carriers of various diseases. When cleaning the carcass and cleaning the body, be sure to use gloves and antiseptic, and after thoroughly wash your hands.