The situation when the driver smack downIt seems banal and not worth noting until it happens in motion. Unlike a collision with large animals, which always qualifies as a road accident, a bird hit is often perceived as a minor incident. However, even such an event can lead to serious consequences if the driver loses control or damages the car.
Many drivers do not know that the size of the birds can be deceptive. A large pigeon or flock of birds can damage the paint coating, block windshield wipers or even get into the engine air intake. Traffic rules There is no separate bird safety clause, but the general safety principles remain unchanged. Let’s figure out how to act competently.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the legal aspects, technical risks and algorithm of actions in the event of a car contact with a bird. You will learn when to call the traffic police, and when you can do your own thing, and what hidden threats carry such a seemingly insignificant incident.
Qualification of the event on SDA and administrative code
From the point of view of the legislation, a collision with a pigeon is not a road accident in the classical sense, unless people or other vehicles were injured. I agree. RF SDAAn accident is an event that occurred in the process of driving on the road of a vehicle, which is associated with the death or injury of people, damage to vehicles, structures, cargo or causing other material damage. The bird is not a traffic participant in the legal sense.
However, if your car is damaged by a pigeon impact (for example, a windshield has broken or the hood has been crumbling), this formally falls under the definition of “vehicle damage”. But in practice, the call of employees GABD For the execution of the protocol on the downed bird is considered inappropriate expenditure of resources, if there are no other participants.
There is an important nuance: if you, trying to bypass the pigeon, sharply pulled the steering wheel and crashed into a pole or other car, then this is a full-fledged accident. In this case, the cause of the accident will be called “wrong maneuvering”, not the bird itself. Guilty. In such a situation, a driver who has not managed will be recognized.
⚠️ Warning: Attempting to pass a pigeon at high speed often leads to skids. Statistics show that the risk of getting into a serious accident with a sharp maneuver is much higher than the consequences of contact with a bird.
Thus, the mere fact that you shot down a pigeon does not entail a fine or deprivation of rights. The consequences of your actions after or during this event may be legal. The main thing is to keep calm and not make rash movements.
Shooting down a bird is not an offence in itself, but a sharp maneuver to avoid a collision can lead to an accident where the driver is recognized as guilty.
Technical risks and damage to the vehicle
What can a small bird do to a multi-ton car? But physics is physics. At a speed of 60 km/h, even a small object has a significant amount of kinetic energy. The impact may lead to the appearance of chip The windshield will eventually turn into cracks. This is the most common problem when colliding with pigeons.
More serious consequences occur if the bird gets into the air intake of the radiator. In this case, the carcass can clog the cells, which will lead to a violation of the cooling of the engine. This is especially dangerous in the summer or when driving in traffic. Overheating the engine can require expensive repairs.
- 🚗 Painting: impact at speed leaves dents and scratches on the hood and bumper.
- ❄️ Air conditioning system: getting the residue of the bird into the air conditioner capacitor reduces its efficiency.
- 🔧 Cleaners: smearing the carcass on glass can damage the wiper's rubber bands and leave greasy marks that impair the view.
Particular attention should be paid to the situation when the pigeon flies into the hood through open technological holes. There, it can damage the wiring or insulation. Therefore, after a strong impact, it is recommended to conduct a visual inspection. hood At the earliest opportunity.
After a collision with a large bird at high speed, be sure to check the coolant level and engine temperature at the nearest safe place.
Algorithm of actions in a collision
If you feel a blow or see the consequences of a collision on the hood, the first rule is not to panic. A sharp braking in the middle of the stream can be more dangerous than the bird itself. Evaluate the situation: if the car is controlled and the view is not disturbed, continue to the nearest safe parking or gas station.
When you stop, make a primary examination. If the glass is broken or the bumper is damaged, record it with a photo. This may be necessary for the insurance company if you have a policy. CASCO. In the case of OSAGO, the damage from collisions with animals (except large ones) is usually not compensated, but the conditions of the policy may differ.
1. Reduce speed without sudden movements2. Turn on the alarm (if you stop on the road)
3. Evaluate the integrity of the glass and visibility
4. Get to a safe place for inspection
If a bird is stuck in the grille and you see the engine temperature rising, it is better to call a tow truck or carefully remove the obstacle if this is possible without disassembling the front of the car. Ignoring overheating will lead to major repairs of the engine.
☑️ Post-impact action
Insurance Cases: CASCO vs OSAGO
The issue of compensation for damage is often the most important concern of drivers. Polis. OSAGO It is intended to protect liability to third parties. Since the pigeon is not a third party (physical or legal), it is impossible to receive a payment for a broken glass or dent from the bird. This policy is powerless in this situation.
Another thing is voluntary insurance. CASCO. Most full CASCO programs cover animal collision damage. However, there is an important point: some insurance companies require a certificate from the competent authorities (the traffic police or the police) that the event took place. Others allow you to issue a “europrotocol” or a statement without certificates for minor amounts of damage.
| Type of insurance | Compensating for the damage from the bird? | Do you need a certificate? | Affects the MSC? |
|---|---|---|---|
| OSAGO | No. | - | No. |
| CASCO (full) | Yes. | Often (depending on the amount) | Yes, on payment. |
| CASCO (mini) | Only if there's an option. | Normally not required. | No. |
| Green card | No. | - | - |
Carefully study the insurance policies of your company. In some cases, it is easier and cheaper to repair the damage yourself than to lose the discount for the next year's accident-free ride due to a small chip.
What happens if you don't report it to the insurance?
If you are planning a repair for the CASCO, but did not declare the event immediately, the insurance company may refuse to pay, citing the inability to establish the cause and time of damage.
Psychological aspect and safety of driving
The psychological factor should not be underestimated. The sound of a bird hitting the body at high speed can scare an inexperienced driver. Reflex pulling of hands from the steering wheel or, conversely, a dead grip with simultaneous braking are typical reactions that can lead to loss of control over the car.
It is especially dangerous when there are many birds. For example, flying over fields or near landfills, you can encounter a whole flock. In such areas, it is recommended in advance slow down And be prepared for one of the birds to be on a trajectory. It is also worth being more attentive at dawn and sunset, when the activity of birds is high, and the lighting is reduced.
If the impact fell into the windshield and visibility is lost, turn on the "emergency", smoothly reduce speed and occupy the right lane or roadside. To continue with the “smeared” glass means to endanger yourself and other participants of the movement.
Prevention and protective measures
Can we protect ourselves from pigeons? It is not possible, but the risks can be minimized. First of all, watch for serviceability. wiper and the presence of high-quality non-freezing liquid. Timely cleaning of glass from the remains of birds with special shampoos will prevent the appearance of persistent spots and scratches during the work of "janitors".
Some drivers install special nets on the radiator grille. This is an effective measure that protects not only from birds, but also from large debris, poplar fluff and stones. The grid is inexpensive, but can save the air conditioner radiator and the main cooler from expensive replacement.
- 🛡️ Anti-gravel film: pasting the front of the car (hood, bumper, wings) with a polyurethane film will protect the varnish from chipping.
- 🧼 Special chemistry: Use bitumen stain cleaners to quickly remove traces from the body.
- 👀 Distance controlKeep your distance from trucks in front that can pick up dust and scare birds into the road.
Regular inspection of the car after trips on the highway will allow you to notice minor damage in time and eliminate them before corrosion of the metal begins at the chip site.
⚠️ Warning: Do not try to wipe the dried remains of the bird with a dry cloth. The sand and solid particles in the litter act as an abrasive and are guaranteed to leave scratches on the varnish. Soak the pollution first!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to call the traffic police if I hit a pigeon and broke the glass?
The traffic police call is not mandatory, since the bird is not a participant in the movement. However, an insurance company (CASCO) may require an accident certificate. In this case, you can call the police to fix the fact, but more often it is enough to fill out a notice of an accident (if there is a second car) or write a statement to the insurance with photo fixation, if the rules of the policy allow.
Does it count as an accident?
Technically, if there is damage to a vehicle, it is an event on the road. But since there is no second participant (owner of property or person), a classic accident with the registration of the protocol is rare. Legally, this is more often classified as an incident that does not require the participation of inspectors, unless the interests of third parties are affected.
Can a pigeon penetrate the windshield?
When driving at high speeds (100 km/h or higher), a collision with a large bird (for example, a goose or a swan) can lead to serious damage, up to the destruction of glass. The pigeon is smaller, but under certain conditions (getting to one point, the presence of a glass defect), the risk of damage persists. The triplex used in windshields holds the punch better, but chippeds are possible.
What to do if a bird is stuck in a radiator?
It is necessary to stop in a safe place, let the engine cool down and carefully remove the obstacle. If you can not get it yourself, it is better to turn to the STO. Riding with a closed radiator threatens engine overheating and boiling antifreeze, which can put the engine out of action.
Does insurance cover damages from birds?
No, according to the OSAGO policy. According to the CASCO policy, yes, unless the insurance rules state otherwise and if you have not violated the operating rules (for example, did not ignore obvious damage that led to an aggravation of the situation). Always read the terms of your contract.