Wildlife on the Road: How to Prevent and Handle Animal Collisions

Thousands of animal collisions occur every year, endangering both wildlife and drivers. Hitting a large animal, like a deer or moose, can cause serious damage to your vehicle and potential harm to you and your passengers. Here’s a guide to help you avoid animal-related collisions, reduce potential damage and injuries if a collision is unavoidable, and what steps to take if you do hit an animal.

How to Avoid Animal Collisions

While animal crossings can be unpredictable, these tips can help reduce the likelihood of a collision:

Stay alert: Always scan the road and check your mirrors frequently to stay aware of your surroundings. Pay close attention to signs of nearby wildlife, such as yellow warning signs, wooded areas, water sources like lakes or rivers, and the dusk or dawn hours.
Use high beams in dark areas: High-beam headlights help you see further ahead, giving you more reaction time in poorly lit areas. Just remember to switch to low beams when other cars are approaching.
Watch for glowing eyes: Animals’ eyes often reflect light from headlights, making them visible at night. Scan the roadsides for these signs of animals that might be about to cross.
Engage your passenger as a lookout: If you have a passenger, ask them to help you watch for animals, especially at night.
Slow down when animals are nearby: If you spot an animal on the road, slow down or stop if it’s safe. Don’t assume the animal will cross quickly, and remember that where there’s one animal, there are likely others nearby. Use your hazard lights to signal to other drivers that you’re slowing down.

Minimizing Damage if You Can’t Avoid a Collision

If an animal suddenly appears too close to avoid a collision safely, these steps can help lessen the impact and keep everyone safe:

Avoid panic and don’t swerve: Swerving can cause accidents with other vehicles or lead you off the road. Instead, keep calm and stay on your path.
Check your mirrors and apply brakes: Quickly assess the situation and, if safe, brake firmly and evenly.
Ease up on the brakes before impact: This can help keep the animal from hitting your windshield directly.
Steer in the direction the animal came from: If the animal is approaching from the right, steer toward the right shoulder if it’s safe to do so, as this might encourage it to move away faster.

Steps to Take After a Collision Involving an Animal

If a collision does occur, follow these steps to manage the situation safely:

Pull over safely and regain control: Only pull over if it’s safe, and turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
Check on passengers and call for help if necessary: Call 911 if anyone is injured.
Assess the animal’s condition from a distance: If the animal is injured, avoid approaching it and call local animal control or conservation services. If it’s deceased, contact local highway maintenance services to clear it from the road.
Inspect your vehicle for damage: If the vehicle is no longer safe to drive, call for assistance.
Document the accident: Take photos of any vehicle damage and the accident scene, as these can be helpful for an insurance claim.
Contact your insurance company: Reach out to your broker or insurer’s emergency line with the accident details to start the claims process.

Does Car Insurance Cover Animal Collisions?

Animal collisions are generally covered under comprehensive or all-perils insurance policies. If you don’t have this coverage, damage from animal collisions may not be covered. Review your policy to ensure you have adequate coverage, and contact your insurance provider if you have any questions.

Help other drivers avoid collisions too! Share these tips on social media and help protect both wildlife and fellow drivers.