Heading out on the road this winter season? It’s likely you’re going to see a lot of beautiful sights and experience a lot that the great outdoors has to offer.
One of these offerings is the plentiful wildlife that exists in the mountains and forests that line the highways of your drive. And they may just pose a risk to you on the Utah roads if you are to collide with one of them.
What to Do if You’ve Hit an Animal
There are times when a collision with wildlife is impossible to keep from happening. Do your best to keep yourself and your passengers safe by avoiding swerving into oncoming traffic.
Here’s what to do if you experience a wildlife collision:
- Find a safe location to pull over and turn on your hazard lights
- If anyone is injured, call 911 right away
- Calm down and do your best to assess the situation
- Avoid touching an animal that is inured as it could be very scared and unpredictable
- Make a call to the local police department if the animal is blocking traffic
- Call a tow truck company if your car is unsafe to drive. This could mean leaking fluid, broken lights or issues that make the car dangerous to drive.
How to Avoid a Wildlife Collision
It’s of course always best to try and avoid a wildlife collision in the first place. Here are some ways to keep your risks to a minimum:
- If you see other drivers pulled over or slowing down, do the same
- Watch for movement consistently and keep an eye out for a reflective glow that could be the eyes of an animal
- If you see wildlife standing on the side of the road, slow down or come to a stop
- Plan ahead of time to avoid travelling during higher risk times of wildlife collision
- Stay alert even when roadside fencing is available as animals can still crawl under it or jump over it
- Only drive when you are alert and awake
Even if you do everything right, sometimes collisions with animals do happen. In that case, you’ll need to be sure you have the proper insurance coverage to protect you. Give us a call today to learn more!
