Driving at night is dangerous for many reasons, but there is one that you may not have thought about—wildlife. Wild animals, such as deer, raccoons and coyotes, are usually more active at night. The limited visibility that drivers face at night makes it much more difficult to spot until it’s too late for the driver to react.
The dangers are present everywhere; however, it’s highest in rural areas and on wooded roads. It’s natural to want to avoid hitting an animal, but sudden swerving can be more dangerous. Swerving sharply at high speeds can cause drivers to lose control, veer into oncoming traffic or run off the road.
Tips for staying safe
Drivers can reduce their risk by following a few key safety measures:
- Stay alert: Reduce distractions and focus on scanning the road edges, especially in known wildlife areas.
- Use high beams when safe: High beams improve visibility, making it easier to spot animals from a distance.
- Slow down: Reducing speed gives drivers more time to react safely if an animal crosses their path.
- Be cautious during peak activity times: Dawn and dusk are when wildlife is most active, so extra vigilance is critical.
- Understand herd behavior: If a driver sees one deer, they should assume more are nearby. Slow down and proceed with caution.
Victims of crashes that are caused when a driver swerves to avoid a wild animal can suffer serious injuries. They may need immediate and long-term medical care, which can be costly. Seeking compensation may help them to get those expenses covered.
