Avoid Vehicle Collisions with Animals

Avoid Vehicle Collisions with Animals

Hitting an animal with your vehicle can be dangerous and are also costly. According to AAA, “From 2001 to 2011, animal collisions contributed to more than 2,080 fatal crashes nationwide.” Animal action can be unpredictable and down-right erratic. You can’t predict what they’ll do. Doesn’t matter if it’s a dog, squirrel, deer, moose, horse or a cow on the road or roadside, they create a dangerous situation for you, the motorist. Martinsville Pro Towing encourages drivers like you, to not only watch the center of the roadway, but also scan the sides of the road and use caution / remain alert to avoid colliding with domestic animals or wildlife.
You should be aware that most wildlife-vehicle collisions happen during the autumn and winter seasons, and many can be prevented. These two seasons are when animals are migrating or in their normal seasonal movement periods. They’re changing up the population mix during and after the “rut”.
What To Do If An Animal Runs Out In Front Of Your Vehicle
Scan both sides of the road and shoulders ahead of you. This way you’ll help give yourself a cushion of reaction time if you detect an animal. Remember herd animals, such as deer, move in groups. There’s usually more than one in the area, so watch for others to appear.
If there’s no oncoming traffic ,use your high-beam headlights. This increases your odds of being able to see the Wildlife sooner when using your bright lights. This will give you options like: time to slow down, honk to scare the animal out of your path, or move over. Your high beams also help spot reflective eyes that some animals have.
If you can’t avoid hitting the animal, press your brakes firmly and remain in your lane. For most drivers, swerving to avoid hitting the animal can result in a more serious crash or you losing control of your vehicle. However, if you can safely avoid hitting the animal, that’s the best choice.
At dawn and dusk be extra cautious. The normal behavior of most animals, deer in particular, have a tendency to be more active in the early morning hours and at dusk. They can see well at night, so they’re active at night. They often sleep during the day, when their stomachs are full and their predators are also sleeping.
Seeing Wildlife signs or in known areas with High/Active wildlife populations, Slow down and use extra caution. During mating or hunting season, be aware of increased wildlife movement. Some areas have a higher density of wildlife than others, so be extra watchful in dense forests where it can be difficult to spot the danger.
Even though, it goes without saying, here it is…
Always wear a seat belt, remain alert, awake, and sober.