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Drivers urged to be alert to big critters |
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October 26, 2016 |
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By Mike Demick
IDFG Conservation Information Supervisor
The number of auto collisions involving big game
animals typically rises during fall and winter,
so Idaho Fish and Game encourages motorists to
slow down and be extra cautious.
A cow elk was hit recently by a school bus on
Highway 21 near Idaho City, and just last week,
two people were hospitalized after a cow moose
caused a three-vehicle collision on Interstate
86 east of American Falls.
“Being extra careful and watchful is the best
defense against a wildlife/vehicle collision,"
said Krista Biorn, Fish and Game habitat
biologist. "Drivers should slow down and allow a
few extra minutes to their travel time for their
own safety, and the safety of Idaho's wildlife."
Snow at upper elevations triggers the migration
of deer, elk and other big game to
lower-elevation winter range, and many will be
crossing Idaho’s highways and roads. This
migration increases the risk you will encounter
wildlife on or near roads and highways.
Collisions between vehicles and wildlife are not
only dangerous, they are expensive. Hitting a
deer or elk often results in thousands of
dollars in vehicle damage, not to mention a
preventable loss of wildlife.
The following are tips to help reduce your
chances of an animal collision:
* Game animals are especially active at dawn, dusk and at night.
Motorists should drive extra cautiously during
these times.
* Slow down. Driving more slowly increases reaction time and reduces the
chance of a collision.
* Always wear your seat belt. This won't prevent a collision, but it can
save your life depending upon the severity of
the accident.
* Scan ahead and watch for movement, especially near the fog line and
side of the road. When driving at night, watch
for shining eyes in headlights.
* If you see one animal cross the road, slow down immediately and look
for more to follow.
* Pay extra attention in areas posted with wildlife crossing signs. They
are there for good reason.
* Using high beams can help you spot wildlife, but be considerate of
other drivers when using them.
* Don't swerve and risk losing control of your vehicle. Try to brake as
much as possible and stay on the roadway. The
most serious crashes occur when drivers lose
control of their vehicles trying to avoid an
animal. It is usually safer to strike the animal
than another object such as a tree or another
vehicle.
Some accidents are unavoidable. Motorists should
report any injury collision to the public safety
dispatcher by calling 911, which will send
officers to the scene. If possible, move your
vehicle to a safe place and alert on-coming
traffic with your emergency flashers until law
enforcement authorities arrive.
If you come across a dead animal on the side of
the road, you can report the roadkill on the
Fish and Game website at
https://idfg.idaho.gov/species/roadkill. The
data collected on wildlife collisions helps
document collisions and identify hot zones,
which could potentially lead to improving
highway safety. |
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