November is the deadliest month of the year for Bambi crossing the road.
Colorado State Patrol reports most of Colorado’s animal-vehicle collisions happen in the High Country – more than 240 last year – and the majority happen on remote, rural routes with elevated speed limits, like Highway 9 from Breckenridge to Alma.
Why now? Because it’s mating season and herds are moving from summer to winter pasture.
Patrollers know that animals often seem to come out of nowhere, especially at night. Their best advice: Drive the speed limit and use your high beams, and if you see a critter, flash your beams.
“The worst choice you can make is to swerve outside your lane or slam on your brakes with vehicles behind you,” explained Major David Rollins, District 4 Commander for CSP. “People can end up in serious crashes when they let their emotions take over to save Bambi or his friends.”
More expert advice to avoid animal crashes:
- Slow down if you see animals nearby.
- Watch for animals on the road between dusk and dawn.
- Watch for herds. If you see one deer or elk, there are probably more nearby.
- When you see wildlife on the road or near the road, warn motorists behind you by honking your horn and tapping your brakes.
- Don’t swerve. If a crash with an animal is inevitable, maintain control of your vehicle and drive through before pulling over when it is safe to do so.
- Be aware of peak season. Animal crashes happen most often during hunting and mating season, which runs from October through December.
- Stay alert and reduce distractions.