Animal collisions can happen in the blink of an eye, and they’re a more common occurrence than most drivers realize. Whether it’s deer darting across rural highways or small wildlife crossing suburban streets, these incidents can lead to significant damage to your vehicle, not to mention potential injury to the animal. But with the right precautions, you can reduce the chances of these unwanted encounters. Let’s explore some essential tips for avoiding animal collisions and keeping both you and wildlife safe on the road.

Understanding Animal Behavior

First, it’s important to understand why animals are on the road in the first place. Animals often cross highways or streets for food, water, or shelter, particularly during the evening and early morning hours when they’re most active. In rural areas, it’s not uncommon for larger animals like deer or moose to venture out, especially during mating or migration seasons. Smaller animals like raccoons or squirrels may also appear unexpectedly, driven by similar needs. Being aware of this natural behavior can help you anticipate when and where an animal might appear on the road.

Stay Alert in High-Risk Areas

When driving in areas known for wildlife crossings, such as rural roads or near forests, stay extra vigilant. Pay attention to animal crossing signs—these markers aren’t just for decoration. They indicate spots where wildlife frequently appears. Keep your speed in check, especially during dawn and dusk when animals are more active. At night, use your high beams when possible to increase visibility, but be mindful of other drivers and dim your lights when necessary.

Look for Signs of Animal Movement

One of the best ways to avoid an animal collision is to be on the lookout for signs of animal movement. This doesn’t always mean spotting the animal itself—it could be a flash of eyes reflecting your headlights or movement in the brush along the road. If you notice these signs, slow down immediately. Animals, particularly deer, often travel in groups, so if you see one, expect more to follow. Keeping your eyes moving and scanning the sides of the road can give you an early warning to react appropriately.

What to Do If You See an Animal on the Road

If you do spot an animal on the road, it’s important to remain calm and avoid swerving. Swerving can lead to losing control or crashing into another car, which can be far more dangerous. Instead, brake firmly and maintain control of the wheel. Honking your horn can also help scare the animal away from your path. For larger animals like deer or moose, stopping and allowing them to move on their own is often the safest course of action.

In cases where a collision is unavoidable, your safety comes first. Aim for a glancing blow rather than a head-on impact, which can minimize damage to both your vehicle and the animal.

How to Minimize Damage After a Collision

Even with all precautions, sometimes an animal collision is inevitable. In such cases, knowing what to do afterward is essential. If you hit an animal, pull over to a safe spot on the side of the road and turn on your hazard lights. Check for damage to your vehicle, but don’t attempt to move a large injured animal like a deer or moose. Instead, contact local authorities or wildlife services to report the incident.

Document the damage to your vehicle for insurance purposes and assess whether your car is safe to drive. In many cases, a collision with a large animal can cause serious damage to your car’s front end, lights, or tires, which may require immediate repairs.

Worried about road safety during wildlife season? At Rolf's Import Auto Service, we offer inspections and repairs to make sure your car is prepared for anything. Call us now to set up an inspection and drive with peace of mind!