BOISE – Fall is upon us, and AAA is reminding drivers to watch for wildlife. According to the Idaho Transportation Department, 1 in 5 crashes in the Gem State last year involved an animal in the roadway.
“Large animals are very active this time of year, and they blend in with their surroundings,” says AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde. “Please be extra careful in rural areas where wild animals and open range animals are likely to be present. Hitting one can be just as devastating as hitting another car.”
AAA notes that rutting season is a time when many large animals gather. Hoofed animals travel in groups, so if you see one, it’s likely that others are nearby.
7 wildlife safety tips
- Polish aging headlight lenses – cloudy lenses can block up to 80% of the available light.
- Scan the road for animals, especially from dusk to dawn. Use high beams where appropriate.
- Travel at safe speeds.
- Avoid sudden swerving that could cause your car to leave the roadway or enter oncoming traffic.
- If you hit an animal, pull over in a safe place as soon as possible. Look for engine leaks or other indications that your vehicle may not be safe to drive.
- Do not approach an injured animal.
- Photograph the environment and any vehicle damage.
Additional ITD 2024 crash statistics
- 74% of fatal crashes occurred on rural roads, despite just 34% of overall crashes occurring in those settings.
- Single-vehicle rollovers accounted for 61% of the single vehicle fatalities last year.
“Unfortunately, it’s all too common to learn that a person who died in a crash wasn’t wearing a seat belt,” Conde said. “Even in remote areas far from heavy traffic, seat belts dramatically increase your chances of survival.”
