Driving through rural areas or wooded highways comes with a risk that many drivers underestimate—wildlife collisions. Deer, elk, and smaller animals often dart across roads unexpectedly, and hitting one can cause serious damage to your vehicle, not to mention the risk of injury to yourself and passengers. With wildlife being most active at dawn and dusk, and during certain seasons, knowing how to avoid a collision can help keep you safe.
Why Wildlife Collisions Are So Common
Animals don’t follow traffic laws. Deer and other wildlife are unpredictable, especially during mating season (fall months) and migration periods when they move in larger numbers. Many highways and backroads cut through natural habitats, making encounters between vehicles and animals unavoidable. Some regions, like Oregon, see more wildlife-related crashes simply due to the high number of deer and elk populations near roadways.
Nighttime also makes these collisions more likely. Many animals are nocturnal, and their eyes reflect headlights, which can momentarily confuse them, leading them to freeze in place instead of running away. This is why you often see a deer staring at your car instead of moving out of the way.
How to Reduce Your Chances of Hitting an Animal
There’s no way to completely eliminate the risk of encountering wildlife while driving, but there are ways to minimize your chances of a collision.
Stay Alert in High-Risk Areas
Pay attention to wildlife crossing signs—these aren’t placed randomly. They indicate areas where animal movement is high, and collisions frequently occur. If you’re driving through wooded or rural areas, reduce your speed and scan both sides of the road.
Use Your High Beams When Possible
When driving at night on low-traffic roads, high beams can help you spot an animal’s reflective eyes sooner. This gives you extra reaction time to slow down or prepare to stop if needed.
Never Swerve to Avoid an Animal
One of the most dangerous mistakes a driver can make is swerving at high speeds. If a deer or other large animal appears suddenly, your instinct may be to jerk the wheel, but this can cause you to lose control and end up in a worse accident—such as hitting another car or running off the road. Instead, brake firmly while keeping the wheel straight.
Slow Down During Peak Wildlife Activity Hours
Dawn and dusk are when deer and other wildlife are most active. If you’re driving in areas where animals are known to cross, reducing your speed slightly can give you more time to react.
Honk Your Horn if an Animal Is in the Road
If you see a deer or other animal on the road ahead, honking your horn in short, loud bursts may help scare them off. Flashing your headlights can also help, but some animals freeze in bright light, making honking a more effective option.
What to Do If You Can’t Avoid a Collision
If a collision is unavoidable, brake as much as possible, keep the wheel straight, and brace for impact. Hitting an animal head-on is far less dangerous than losing control of your vehicle by swerving. After an accident, pull over safely, turn on your hazard lights, and check for injuries. If the animal is blocking traffic, contact the local authorities for assistance.
It’s also important to inspect your vehicle for damage, especially if you hit a large animal. A broken headlight, leaking fluid, or a damaged radiator could make it unsafe to continue driving.
Whether it’s minor body damage or a more serious issue, Integrity Auto Services can get your vehicle back in top shape. Stop by for expert repairs and keep your car running safely!