Defensive Driving Rule #37: Practice Animal Avoidance!
Navigating through wildlife-prone areas requires caution and preparedness to avoid car-animal collisions, which can result in serious injuries or fatalities. Here are some key tips for minimizing the risk:
- **Slow Down at Night**: Most animal-vehicle collisions occur at night, especially near dusk and dawn. Slow down to increase your reaction time and visibility, particularly in wildlife country or open range areas.
- **Use High Beams**: Utilize your high beams whenever possible, as they can help illuminate animals on or near the roadway. Watch for reflections in their eyes.
- **Be Patient and Avoid Honking**: If you encounter a large animal like a moose or elk in the road, don’t honk aggressively. Instead, stop and wait patiently for the animal to move off the road. If there’s space, you may cautiously try to go around it, but prioritize safety.
- **Plan Ahead and Stay Alert**: Be aware of peak wildlife activity times, such as early morning and dusk. Scan the road ahead and be prepared to react if an animal suddenly appears.
- **Brake, Don’t Swerve**: If an animal suddenly crosses your path, brake firmly but avoid swerving excessively, as this could cause a collision or loss of control. Watch out for other animals that may follow.
- **Don’t Approach Hit Animals**: If you do collide with an animal, avoid getting too close or touching it, as injured animals may behave unpredictably. Report the incident to local authorities if necessary.
- **Beware of Livestock**: In areas with open range or where livestock roam freely, be cautious of cows or other animals on the roadway. Yield to livestock and report any collisions to authorities as required by law.
By practicing these safety measures and remaining vigilant while driving, you can reduce the risk of car-animal collisions and stay safe on the road.