More wildlife-vehicle collisions happen in fall

STATEWIDE, Colo. (KRDO) — The Colorado Department of Transportation is reminding drivers that the fall season can bring an increase in wildlife-vehicle collisions as animals migrate.

Wildlife can cross roads without warning at any time of day or night, but CDOT warns that drivers should pay particularly close attention in early morning and evening hours. 

That’s the time period when the majority of wildlife-vehicle collisions occur, because wildlife are more active and more difficult to see.

CDOT advises travelers to take the following precautions:

• Slow down. Traveling at high speeds increases the danger of a crash. Moderate speeds maintain a driver’s reaction time and allow an appropriate response to animals on or near roads.
• Stay alert. Pay close attention to the roadway, particularly while driving between dusk and dawn. This is when deer and other common wildlife are most active and more likely to be crossing roadways. Flickering headlights from oncoming cars or tail lights of the vehicles in front of you, may indicate an animal crossing the road.
• Scan ahead. Watch for movement and shining eyes along roadsides. If you see one animal, you should expect it will be accompanied by others.
• Obey traffic signs. Many highways have wildlife warning signs intended to alert motorists of known wildlife movement areas. Though incidents can happen anywhere, transportation authorities attempt to reduce the number of wildlife-vehicle collisions by posting signage and lowering speeds in areas where wildlife are active.
• Give warning. When animals are seen on or near the road, slow down or stop (if no other cars are behind you), honk the horn and flash headlights. This warns the animal to avoid the road and alerts other drivers in oncoming vehicles to the potential hazard.
• Always wear seat belts. Unfortunately, not every collision is avoidable, and the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration state that the risk of serious injury and death in a crash is reduced by half when seat belts are worn.

If you’re involved in a wildlife-vehicle collision, you should report the accident to the Colorado State Patrol by calling *CSP (star key and 277). 

If you hit an animal, CDOT says you should remember to slow down and concentrate on retaining control of the vehicle, be aware of your surroundings, especially other vehicles, and move your vehicle to a safe position off the road.