Collisions can often be avoided if you have more time to see animals, especially on rural roads. At night, reduce speed if you are on unfamiliar rural roads.

Regularly scanning the road and ditches ahead of you will help you notice wildlife early. For many species, you can watch for light reflecting off their eyes by using your high beams as often as possible.

A couple of short blasts of your horn will alert some animals that there are people/vehicles nearby (especially when you are driving on dark, empty roads). The noise can also alert some animals you see to run off of the road instead of freezing in place when they see you. Honking is less effective on turtles, snakes, and birds.

If there is an animal on the road, brake gently to slow down. DO NOT swerve or stop suddenly, as this is dangerous for both you and other drivers on the road.

If you notice an animal or tracks on or near the road, slow down slightly and watch their actions. Take notice, as wildlife can be unpredictable or there may be others following. Animals often travel together and young animals follow their mothers.

If you have encountered an animal and come across another driver/vehicle, giving a warning signal may make them pay added attention to driving. For example, flicking your lights might make them proceed with more caution, even if they don’t know specifically that an animal is present.

Food and trash attract animals onto the road. Even something like an apple core (which is biodegradable and harmless to the environment), poses a risk for the wildlife who are searching for food.

Keey your vehicle’s windshield and headlights clean to ensure visibility. At night, use your high beams whenever possible to scan ahead of you.

Be extra cautious when driving at dusk or dawn. This is when collisions are most likely to happen, as light is low and animals are active. Slow down when rounding a curve or cresting a hill.