Animal Crossing
Avoid wildlife collisions
Wildlife collisions are common, especially at dawn and dusk. While avoiding an animal is ideal, sometimes safe avoidance is not possible. Knowing when and how to react is crucial.
Why This Matters
Swerving to avoid animals causes many serious accidents. Understanding the risks and correct response protects you while minimizing harm to wildlife.
Key Actions to Take
Watch for warning signs indicating animal crossings
Reduce speed in known wildlife areas
Scan roadsides, especially at dawn and dusk
If an animal appears, brake firmly but straight
Do not swerve for small animals
Do
- Use high beams at night when safe (reflects in eyes)
- Slow down if you see one animal - more may follow
- Report injured large animals to authorities
- Horn may scare stationary animals off the road
Don't
- Swerve into opposing traffic
- Assume animals will behave predictably
- Speed in areas marked for wildlife
- Stop to help injured wild animals yourself
Pro Tips
Deer often travel in groups - if you see one, expect more
Animals are most active at dawn and dusk
Some insurance covers comprehensive damage from animal strikes
Important Warning
For large animals (deer, moose, horses), braking hard is usually safer than swerving. For small animals, it is safer to maintain course than to swerve. Swerving into traffic or off the road can be fatal.
Related Scenarios
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