Safety Tips For Avoiding Wildlife Vehicle Collisions

Did you know that 200 motorists die annually from collisions with wildlife? According to the DMV, some type of collision with wildlife occurs every 39 minutes. Do you know how to drive defensively so you can protect yourself and your passengers if you should encounter wildlife on the roadways?

Stay Aware of Your Surroundings

First, you have to stay aware at all times, but especially in areas where wildlife prefers to congregate, such as near woods and bodies of water. Areas with little traffic also are prime locations where you may encounter a deer, moose or other creature in the road.

Try to avoid driving through these areas in less-than-perfect conditions, especially at night or when thick fog or precipitation is forecast. Keep your lights on in the daytime and high beams on at night to illuminate the road and alert the wildlife to your presence.

Increase Preparedness in Fall and Winter

Wildlife collisions most often involve deer. Fall and early winter is mating season for deer, which means they are less focused on their surroundings and more likely to let mere instinct lead.

Also, bears are beginning to search for additional food sources before hibernating for the winter, so they become more mobile during these months. When municipalities spread salt on the road in the winter as a de-icing tool, deer are drawn to this and may flock to the roadway to eat it.

Stay hyper-aware during fall and winter to avoid wildlife collisions with hefty animals that have the potential to do drastic damage to your vehicle.

Observe Posted Signs and Limits

To avoid wildlife collisions, you must not take any risks while driving. Stay at or below posted speed limits. Slow down around curves, or whenever you see a sign alerting you to wildlife in the region. The faster you are traveling, the less time you will have to react to an animal in your path.

Should You Swerve?

Even though your instincts might tell you to quickly swerve when anything enters your driving path, prepare your mind to ignore this urge. It is much more dangerous to hit an oncoming vehicle than it is to hit a deer or smaller animal. Also, be aware that if you do see a deer but are able to avoid it, you likely will see more, since they travel in groups.

The one exception to the “no-swerve” rule is if you see a moose on the roadway. A full-grown moose can reach 1,600 pounds. Always swerve if you see a moose and can react in time.

If you are involved in any type of wildlife collisions, call Stauffer’s Towing for help — our on-call team can tow your car to your preferred mechanic right away.