Spring is just around the corner and around the country, wildlife is on the move on migration paths they’ve followed for thousands of years. Unfortunately, those paths now intersect the asphalt “paths” we drive on — often with tragic results.
Every year, claims for wildlife-vehicle collisions total nearly $1.1 billion nationwide. This year, why not help your clients and family travel safely by providing them a list of tips for driving safely around wildlife?
Here’s what the experts recommend:
- Obey all speed limits, traffic signs, and regulations. Your odds of avoiding a collision with an animal are reduced if you drive at a slower speed.
- Watch for wildlife-warning road signs and reduce your speed in these areas.
- Actively scan all sides of the road as you drive and look for any signs of wildlife.
- Herd animals, such as deer and elk, travel in groups. In other words: If you see one deer, there are probably others nearby.
- Use your high beams at night when there is no oncoming traffic.
- Exercise extra caution at dusk and dawn. Peak collision times are 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., when wildlife is most active.
- Be extra careful when driving near streams, rivers, and lakes, as wildlife tend to migrate close to (and congregate around) sources of water.
Copy this list of wildlife-driving tips and have it handy for all meetings this time of year — and while you’re at it, e-mail the list to all your clients, too. It’s a great way to show them you care about their safety.