Spring will be here before we know it. And you know what that means: baby animal season! Drivers need to be extra alert as the weather warms up and more animals are out and about. Here are some tips for what to do if you encounter an animal in the road.
1. Be mindful of conditions.
The wildlife you’ll encounter on the road varies depending on the time of day, weather, and location you’re in. Deer, for instance, are more active at dusk and dawn. You’ll often see turtles and frogs crossing the road in the evening just after it rains. Do some research about the wildlife in your neighborhood to learn more about their habits.
If you’re in a safe location, you can actually save a turtle’s life pretty easily! Make sure you’re not impeding traffic or putting yourself in danger. Never transport a turtle to a new location. They’ll spend forever trying to get back to where they wanted to go. Simply lift the turtle from the middle of the roadway and place it off the road in the same direction it was headed. If you turn it around, it’s going to go right back to the middle of the road.
2. Stay alert.
Stay alert and drive cautiously in conditions where there may be animals near or in the roadway. Animals in urban areas are used to traffic and probably won’t be fazed by the sound of your vehicle. Animals like deer travel in groups. If you see one, there are probably more nearby. Drive slowly and cautiously so that you can make a quick stop if needed.
3. Don’t panic.
No one wants to hit an animal, but sometimes it’s unavoidable. If you’re staying alert and driving defensively, you’re less likely to be surprised by an animal in the roadway. You’ll be able to apply the brake firmly and carefully steer away from the animal.
Panicking will increase your chances of making a risky decision like swerving into oncoming traffic. Even though in the moment it may feel like you need to do anything possible to avoid hitting the animal, sometimes the safest course of action is to brake and hit the animal.
4. Don’t approach wounded wildlife.
If you hit an animal in the road, move your vehicle off the road to a safe place if you can. Call the local police to report the collision. Don’t approach the animal. Wounded animals, such as deer, can be unpredictable and dangerous. Follow the instructions of the authorities.
Want to learn more about driving safety? Taking an online defensive driving course or an insurance discount course is a great way to help prepare you for any type of driving situation! Click here to visit our website to see the online courses we offer in your state!
Spring will be here before we know it. And you know what that means: baby animal season! Drivers need to be extra alert as the weather warms up and more animals are out and about. Here are some tips for what to do if you encounter an animal in the road.