Avoiding Wildlife on the Road

Encountering wildlife on the road in the College Station and Bryan, TX area can be scary, as well as dangerous. As animals start moving their way from wooded areas, they sometimes appear in residential areas and on highways. This creates a huge risk of them being in the path of moving vehicles.

Thousands of animal-vehicle collisions happen across the United States each year, especially those involving deer. When you set out on your journey, worrying about wildlife accidents most likely isn't on your mind. However, these situations happen, and these accidents often cause minor to severe bodily injury and minor to severe vehicle damage.

Avoiding wildlife while driving requires you to pay attention to the road at all times and know how to react when an animal does come into your path. Reduce accidents with wildlife by:

Being aware of your surroundings - When you are driving inheavily wooded areas, take extra caution. Watch for signs on the side of theroad indicating animal crossings.

Going the speed limit - Going the speed limit will give youmore time to react and see animal crossing signs posted in areas where animalshave been known to wreak havoc.

Scanning the road ahead - This will provide you with morereaction time if you need to stop. Remember that some animals travel in herds.If you see one, you may see more. At night, scan the road for glowing eyes.

Using extra caution at peak times - Some animals, like deer,are more active around dusk, or between 6 and 9 pm. They are also more activeduring breeding seasons, October to January, as well as springtime where theyare moving around with their young.

Using your high beams - This will increase your visibility,allowing you to see animals easily and sooner.

Wearing your seat belt - This is important as you shouldALWAYS have your seat belt on to avoid serious injuries.

Staying in control of your vehicle - Avoid swerving to avoidhitting an animal as this could cause loss of control and lead to a seriouscrash. If you can use the middle lane, move into it safely. Remain calm andcheck your rear view mirror. Apply the brakes firmly at impact and then slowly letoff them.

• Pull off the road into a safe space
• Call the police
• Get out of your car when it is safe
• Examine your vehicle for damage
• Call a tow, if needed

If you have been in a wildlife accident in the College Station  and Bryan, TX, City Paint & Body can help. Our auto body shop offers a variety of services to assist our customers when damage has occurred to their vehicle. We work with you to ensure you have a reliable vehicle for years and years to come. Contact us today for an appointment.