Watch out for wildlife!

@worldwise1 (14885)
United States
October 13, 2008 12:20pm CST
The season has arrived when drivers usually get into more accidents involving wildlife. We often hear about such accidents where an animal is crossing the road and the driver fails to notice it in time to stop. Especially for those who live in rural areas it is important to be vigilant as you proceed on your way to your destination. I was reminded of this in a newsletter from Defenders of Wildlife. Fall can be a dangerous time to be on the roads. As daylight grows shorter, drivers need to be extra cautious -- not only for little ghouls and goblins on Halloween, but for deer, raccoons and other wildlife as well. Experts estimate that up to 1.5 million wildlife-vehicle collisions occur in the United States every year -- and October and November are top months for these types of accidents. Over 300 people are killed and 29,000 are injured in wildlife-vehicle collisions every year in the U.S., and 85% of deer-motorcycle collisions.
2 people like this
5 responses
Aurone
@Aurone (4755)
• United States
13 Oct 08
Deer can mess up a car and kill a driver. Never hit one myself, but I had friends who have. And you can ask my dad what happens when you are driving at night and hit a black cow. Sometimes you can even see the danger!
1 person likes this
Aurone
@Aurone (4755)
• United States
14 Oct 08
Lucky for my dad it only messed up his door--but he could never get it fixed right. But the cow wasn't so lucky. I do think they were able to salvage the meat though.
worldwise1
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
14 Oct 08
I lived in the country for a long time, Aurone, and saw many instances where these accidents happened. It is not a pretty sight!
divinchris
@divinchris (2449)
• India
13 Oct 08
What you have stated is true friend!People driving at night need to watch out for the wild animals on the road and they have to make their journey safely.So that they will be safe and the animals will be safer too.Happy MyLotting
1 person likes this
worldwise1
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
14 Oct 08
So true, divinchris! People have an edge over the animals in that regard because they can read the signs and be on the alert. Animals just do what comes natural to them.
pismeof
@pismeof (855)
• United States
15 Oct 08
Wise1,I wish I'd read your warning before going out on monday night..While driving down a suburban street with another vehicle approaching from the opposite lane I notice four tan colored fore-legs scurrying in the road.As I turned to warn my boy "Look what's in the road" thinking that it was a deer blinded by headlights I proceeded to drive ever closer.Turned out to not be a Deer but a Coyote!! First I've ever seen on a road. Poor thing was freaking out between the two cars not sure which direction to go. Anyone not paying attention to their driving could easily have hit the confused Coyote.
carmelanirel
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
14 Oct 08
That is so true, plus as hunting season gets closer, hunters will scare out deer from the woods and right into your path on the road..I am in a rural area, and have had too many close calls to not know to always look out, especially at certain times of the year and certain time of the day too, like dusk, when deer are looking for a place to bed down..
Chevee
@Chevee (5905)
• United States
13 Oct 08
I travel the highways at night, I work nights and I see deers all the time. Thank God that I have never had an accident with one. I notice when I see one crossing the road it is always another one right be hind it. I have seen them close to home also. Also deer season is approaching. I am glad they have laws for hunting in the city limits. It used to be a lot of illegal hunting in this area.
1 person likes this
worldwise1
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
14 Oct 08
I believe that is where people often make their mistake, Chevee. They forget that animals rarely ever travel separately.