Drive Smart: Preventing Collisions with Wildlife
Preventing Collisions With Wildlife
Driving, especially in rural or forested areas, often means facing the challenge of animals on the road. Whether it's a deer crossing the highway or a smaller animal on a neighborhood street, these encounters can be dangerous. Knowing how to avoid animals while driving is vital for safety and preventing accidents.
At PITT OHIO, we prioritize driver safety; thus, we’ve compiled these tips to help avoid animal collisions and ensure safer travels for drivers and wildlife.
Many animals, such as deer, are most active during these times. Drive cautiously and keep an eye on both sides of the road.
Pay close attention to signs indicating areas where animals frequently cross.
When driving at night and it's safe, use your high beams to light up more of the road, enhancing your ability to see animals in advance.
Wildlife is more abundant in these areas, so slowing down gives you more time to react if an animal appears on the road.
Continuously scan the road ahead and along the shoulders for any movement. Animals can come from either side and spotting them early allows for safer reactions.
If an animal runs into your path, avoid swerving drastically. Instead, brake firmly and steer straight while staying in control of your vehicle.
Anticipate that animals could cross at any time. Keep a safe distance from other vehicles and be prepared to stop if you see one ahead.
Stay off your phone and avoid using in-car screens while driving.
If you see an animal near the road, slow down and honk your horn to scare it away. Some animals may freeze in place when they see headlights, and a honk can startle them into moving away.
Exercise extra caution during autumn and winter, as animal activity rises with migration and more animals near roads due to snow and food shortages
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Road safety demands attention, particularly when animals pose a threat. Practicing defensive driving, being alert to wildlife crossing signs, and knowing when animals are most active can help reduce collision risks. This safeguards both you and wildlife.
Safe Travels!