Animal on the road? Here’s what not to do
With little exception, no matter what region of the country you drive in, you’re bound to encounter some form of wildlife in your travels and when a four-footer — or even a winged resident — crosses your path, lives and vehicle safety often are at risk. As the warmer weather continues into the fall, it pays to increase your driving attention to what may appear from the side of the road and to take certain precautions in the event of a collision.
First, there is no doubt that animal/auto (AA) collisions are on the rise. As human populations and related development grow, and displace wildlife habitats as a result, so does the risk of AA collisions. The overwhelming majority of collisions happen in June, July, and August.
They can happen on any type of road, but they most often occur on two-lane undivided highways. While human fatalities are rare, personal injuries often result and animal deaths are almost always the case in AA collisions as is vehicle damage. Many provinces and jurisdictions have mitigation systems in place and continue to experi- ment with new technology. As well, automakers are making it easier to avoid such collisions, such as Audi’s advancements in lighting technology or Volvo’s long-standing dedication to safety.
Being aware of your environment and adjusting your speed accordingly is undoubt- edly the best way to reduce the risks associated with AA collisions. Animals, like us, need food and water, so if you’re driving in a farming area or down a road with thick green vegetation nearby, you’re likely travelling in an animal zone.
Slowing down when you spot an animal on the road is your best defence. Sudden swerves or avoidance manoeuvres may lead to loss of vehicle control. If your choice is colliding with an animal, an oncoming vehicle or hitting the ditch, the odds may not be in your favour with the latter two. Moreover, don’t depend on your airbags, as the mass of most animals and their smaller point of impact may not set off supplemental restraint devices.
Be prepared for a guest in the passenger cabin. When striking a deer, elk, or moose, most vehicles with low front profiles can cause the animal to travel back onto the hood with little loss in speed. This can lead to a strong enough impact to shatter the windshield and collapse it inward providing an easy entry into the front seats. This is the cause of many passenger injuries.
When the dust has cleared, follow the normal rules of safety at a collision scene. Move your vehicle to a safe spot on the roadside and ensure passengers are also in a secure location. Administer first aid as needed and use four-way flashers or suitable reflectors to warn oncoming traffic.
Even if the animal appears dead, stay clear. Autonomous muscle movement can cause a leg to strike out with sufficient force to injure. Resist the emotional urge to dispatch a suffering animal. Contact emergency services.
Also, don’t assume smaller animals won’t cause vehicle damage. Raccoons, for example, can have enough body mass and size to damage undercarriage components such as brake and fuel lines, sensor wiring, exhaust pipes and more.