Driving is no easy task. Whenever you get behind the wheel, it feels like there are countless things to keep track of. Switching lanes, checking your mirrors, avoiding negligent drivers, the list goes on and on. However, often lost in the chaos of driving are its non-human aspects. Gravel on the streets, potholes and other uncontrollable complications make driving even more stressful than it already is. However, the most important uncontrollable hazard on the road deserves a section of its own.
Unfortunately, no matter how hard we try to push the problem aside, humans aren’t the only living creatures that need to use their physical surroundings to survive. When we build infrastructure, we are encroaching on millions of acres of land that animals live on as well. In fact, roads inadvertently divide previously unified habitats, sometimes making it difficult for animals to access resources without crossing the road. Unfortunately, this occasionally puts humans and animals in direct conflict with one another, leading to roadkill.
Being on the Lookout
In the United States, an estimated one million animals fall victim to car accidents every day. These include deer, raccoons, possums, squirrels, birds, bunnies and various other types of animals. However, before trying to successfully avert roadkill catastrophes on the road, it is vital to understand the problems at it root.
While drivers are usually well prepared for defensive driving techniques involving other drivers, they are often caught unprepared for less common interactions, like the ones resulting in roadkill. There’s no foolproof way to predict when an animal is going to come rushing out of the trees, running directly in front of your car. The unpredictability of these scenarios make roadkill hard to avoid and sometimes even inevitable. Fortunately, there are ways in which you can minimize the likelihood of hitting an animal.
Proceed with Caution
Here are a few tips you can follow to try and avoid roadkill:
- Keep an eye out. The best way to check whether or not animals are present is by being aware of your surroundings. If you see any rustling in the bushes or trees nearby then it would be a good idea to slow down and proceed carefully.
- Follow the signs. If there’s a sign posted that warns drivers about the presence of deer, or other animals, then slow down and be conscious. Remember that hitting an animal can cause heavy damage to your car as well – it’s in your best interest to play it careful.
- Anticipate and react. Large animals will often cross the road in groups. This means that if you see one animal come into your path, then it’s likely that more will follow.
Remember that Mother Nature is responsible for more than just us – try your best to avoid roadkill and safe driving!
If you or a loved one was injured or killed in an automobile accident due to another driver’s negligence, contact my office immediately. As your Ohio car accident attorney, I’ll be there for you, and I’ll Make Them Pay!®
Author: Tim Misny | For over four decades, personal injury lawyer Tim Misny has represented the injured victim in in birth injury, medical malpractice, and catastrophic injury/wrongful death cases, serving Cleveland, Akron/Canton, Columbus, Dayton and neighboring communities. You can reach Tim by email at misnylaw.com/ask-tim-a-question/ or call at 877.944.4373.
