Spotting a majestic moose or agile deer while driving can be an amazing experience for you and your passengers. However, while wildlife sightings can be incredible, countless collisions occur each year due to careless drivers and unpredictable animals. Collisions between large animals and motor vehicles can cause significant property damage, harm to the vehicle’s occupants, and significant or fatal wounds for the animal. Understanding the risks and implementing safe driving practices is critical when you are driving through areas that have wildlife. If a wreck does occur, a car accident lawyer with The Doan Law Firm may be able to assist you.
Preparing for Your Drive is Crucial
Before embarking on your journey, you should research what types of animals can be expected in the areas you’ll be driving through. If you have a good sense of what animals live in the area, you know what to be on the lookout for. Double-check that your car is in good condition, particularly the headlights and brakes. You need to be able to stop and maneuver quickly in an unexpected situation, such as if a deer darts out in front of your car suddenly.
You may consider putting a deer whistle on your car, which can potentially deter some animals from crossing the road in front of your vehicle. Make sure your car is stocked with a first-aid kit, flashlight, and warning triangles, so you can address the aftermath of a collision if one does occur. Be sure to keep an eye on road signs as well, as they can indicate where you are more likely to encounter wild animals.
Driving Techniques to Minimize Risk
When driving in areas that are known for animal encounters, reduce your speed to ensure you have time to stop suddenly or evade an animal in the road. When safe and legal, turn on your car’s high beams at night to improve your visibility. Continuously scan the road and shoulders for signs of movement. You may be able to see sudden flashes of light reflecting off an animal’s eyes when it is near the road. Use your horn and flash your car’s lights if you see an animal on the road. Doing so may be enough to scare the animal away. Swerving can cause you to lose control of your vehicle, so it’s better to brake in order to avoid a collision.
Responding to a Wildlife Encounter
If you spot an animal near the road, stay calm and avoid panicking. Slow down gradually and take stock of the situation. Think about whether the animal is likely to move away from the road and whether other wildlife may be nearby. Use short bursts of your horn and flash your lights to try to get the animal to move away from the road. At the same time, it helps to understand basic animal behaviors. Deer tend to freeze in the headlights, for example, so don’t count on them getting out of your way.
After a Wildlife Encounter
If a collision has occurred, pull over to the side of the road when it is safe to do so and turn on your hazard lights. You should then contact local authorities or wildlife services and report the incident. Once it’s safe to do so, inspect your vehicle for visible damage and document it for insurance purposes. Do not attempt to approach the animal you hit, even if it is injured. You could accidentally cause further harm or be attacked by the panicked animal. Leave rescue efforts to wildlife professionals under all circumstances to protect you, the animal, and any bystanders in the area.
Avoiding Wildlife Collisions While Driving
By following the tips outlined in this article and staying vigilant in areas where wildlife encounters are expected, you reduce the risk of collisions and promote safety for animals and drivers alike. Be sure to practice defensive driving at all times to reduce the risk of a collision, whether with another vehicle or native wildlife. Share these tips with other drivers to help them stay safe when driving in wildlife-frequented areas as well. We hope this article helps you and your loved ones stay safe on the road!
