As the weather cools and fall approaches, animals become more active, especially near roadways. It’s important to adjust your driving habits to reduce the risk of collisions with wildlife.
Here are some tips to help you stay safe and avoid accidents this fall season.
Watch for Wildlife Warning Signs
Watch for yellow, diamond-shaped signs that indicate where wildlife crossings are frequent. These signs remind us that animals could be nearby, so slow down.
Even if you’ve driven a road hundreds of times before, follow the posted speed limit.
Slow Down
By slowing down, you will have the reaction time needed to swerve to the side of the road should a large animal suddenly dart into your path.
Speeding reduces reaction time and increases the collision’s severity if an accident occurs. Avoid speeding on clear nights or straight roads of high accident potential, and always observe posted speed limits.
Be Mentally Prepared
Thinking about how to respond if an animal suddenly crosses your path can help you avoid making quick, impulsive decisions. Mentally preparing yourself for these situations means preparing you to react appropriately and safely if an animal does appear.
Drive Defensively
Stay alert and actively scan the road for any signs of wildlife. Look for movement, shining eyes, or even flickering headlights indicating an animal is nearby.
Check both sides of the road, especially when animals are most active at dawn and dusk.
Avoid Swerving
If an animal runs into your path, avoid the instinct to swerve. Swerving can cause you to lose control of the car and hit another car head-on. You could also roll the vehicle or skid into a tree.
Either scenario is more likely to cause injury than stopping on the original path. Instead, brake and, if possible, make controlled adjustments to your steering.
If you think you might hit a small animal, be sure to use your brakes instead of swerving.
Maintain Your Vehicle
Proper vehicle maintenance can improve your ability to see and react to animals on the road. Keep your headlights clean and properly aligned for optimal visibility.
When driving in low-traffic areas, use your high beams to get a better view of the road ahead when there aren’t cars driving toward you.
If you spot an animal, honk your horn to scare it away and prevent it from running in front of your car.
If a Collision is Inevitable
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, a collision may be unavoidable. In such cases, aim for the spot the animal is coming from rather than where it’s headed. This helps reduce the chance of a direct impact.
Try for a glancing blow rather than a head-on hit. Also, ease off the brake just before impact to avoid the animal being thrown onto your windshield.
Car Insurance in Salt Lake City
Simple actions like watching for warning signs, reducing your speed, and staying mentally prepared can help you avoid accidents and protect yourself and the animals around you.
When accidents do happen, ensure you have comprehensive car insurance in place to protect you. Call Salt Lake City Insurance for a quote.
