Jaywalking tickets and crossing signals work great for people, but not so well for our furry friends. With 725,000 to 1.5 million wildlife-vehicle collisions in the United States every year, all of us hardcore animal lovers need to do something to stop these accidents.
- Drive slow. What’s the rush? By driving the speed limit and driving a little slower at night, the risk of killing a poor animal that wants to reach the other side of the road can decrease.
- Never swerve. If you can't break or switch lanes then just go through it. Even if it is a deer. Hitting any size animal is better than swerving.
- “Beep, Beep.” When you see an animal that looks like it is about to dash in front of your car, just honk the horn. The little guy will hopefully run in the opposite way.
- Flash. If you see an animal standing in the middle of the street with that “deer in the headlights” look, or if it is an actual deer in the headlights, flash your high beams.
- Be prepared. Know the number of your local animal control department so they can help the injured animal or remove it from the road. Never attempt to touch or aid the animal because it can be unpredictable.
Sources:
PETA
Nine Mile Wild Life
USA Today
