Safety with Wildlife Encounters While Driving
Wildlife Accidents Make safety for yourself, passengers, and fellow travelers the top priority.
Wildlife accidents occur much more than we think and when you least expect them. It’s that time of year where there’s plenty of deer roaming around in the evenings. Although, where we live nestled in the valley of the Blue Ridge Mountains, there’s no shortage of roaming animals in any season in the evenings. I think we can all agree that hitting an animal of any kind isn’t ideal.
We don’t want to damage our vehicle, nor do we want to injure the animal. Wildlife accidents on the road occurs more often than we might realize.
According to statistics provided by DMV.org, wildlife accidents while driving occurs on an average of 39 minutes. And a large percentage of wildlife accidents actually occur during good weather conditions and dry 2-lane roads. If you hit a deer, you could be looking at thousands of dollars in damage, if not more. Of course, this is why we have insurance, right?
The ideal scenario would obviously be to not have the wildlife collision. There’s plenty of tips we will provide in order to help keep you as safe as possible and swerving to miss the animal is not one of them.
•When you see a yellow animal-crossing caution sign, slow down. The signs are there for a reason.
•Wildlife is most active during dusk, dawn, and night. It’s deer season for sure around here, and most deer related crashes occur at dusk and dawn.
•Drive the speed limit and stay alert. Since accidents involving animals happen later in the evenings or earlier in the mornings, those are also hours we tend to drive sleepy. Don’t drive while tired. Drowsy driving is equivalent to drunk driving.
•Keep a frequent eye on the shoulders of the road. Your approaching vehicle may cause the animal to jump into the road out of panic. Look for reflective eyes.
•As we approach another snowfall this weekend, keep in mind that road salt to keep you safe during icy conditions also tends to attract wildlife.
Ultimately, the most effective way to prevent collisions is to remain vigilant and drive at a reduced speed, especially during the early morning, dusk, and nighttime hours. If you encounter wildlife near the road, slow down even further while passing. If an animal is obstructing the road, reduce your speed as much as possible and aim for the least impact feasible. Remember: Do not swerve to avoid hitting an animal. While no one desires to harm an animal, it’s safer to make cautious contact than to risk swerving into oncoming traffic, an embankment, or losing control of your vehicle due to overcorrection.
Maintain composure and control of your vehicle to the best of your ability in any accident scenario. Although accidents are unfortunate, being prepared can help keep you, your passengers, and other road users safe. Familiarize yourself with proper procedures in advance to avoid panicking and exacerbating the situation. Your auto insurance is there for a reason, and although it may not be ideal, repairing your vehicle after a collision is relatively straightforward.
When driving, particularly in areas prone to deer crossings, it’s crucial to remain vigilant to avoid hitting deer. Keep your eyes on the road, especially during dawn and dusk when deer are most active. Reduce your speed, particularly in areas with dense vegetation or near wildlife corridors. Use high beams when appropriate to increase visibility at night. If you spot a deer near the road, brake firmly but avoid swerving abruptly. Additionally, honk your horn to alert the deer and encourage it to move away from the roadway. By staying alert and taking proactive measures, you can minimize the risk of collisions with deer and ensure a safer journey for yourself and these magnificent animals.
Watch out for deer crossing signs!
As you drive through wooded or rural areas, be mindful of deer crossings. These creatures are most active during dawn and dusk, so exercise extra caution during these times. If you spot a deer near the road, slow down gradually and be prepared for sudden movements. Remember, it’s safer to maintain control of your vehicle than to swerve abruptly to avoid hitting a deer. Stay alert, drive at a moderate speed, and keep an eye out for any wildlife that may venture onto the road. Your vigilance can help prevent wildlife accidents and ensure a safer journey for you and the deer.
If you happen to find yourself in a wildlife accident stay calm. What to do if you find yourself in an accident.
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