Strategies to avoid collisions with animals

Collisions with animals can pose significant risks to truck and fleet drivers, especially in rural or wooded areas where wildlife is more prevalent.

Risk managers at transportation companies or organizations that rely on fleets should be aware of the following risks and communicate these strategies with drivers to help mitigate collisions with animals.

Stay alert and vigilant:
- Watch for signs: Pay attention to wildlife crossing signs, which indicate areas where animals are likely to be present.
- Scan the road: Continuously scan the road and surrounding areas for any signs of animals, especially during dawn and dusk when many animals are most active.
Reduce speed:
- Adjust speed in high-risk areas: Slow down when driving through areas known for wildlife activity, especially in rural or forested regions.
- Be prepared to stop: If you see an animal on or near the road, be ready to stop or slow down, as animals can suddenly dart into traffic.
Use high beams appropriately:
- Adjust high beams: When driving at night in areas with low visibility, use high beams to increase your field of vision. However, be sure to dim them when approaching other vehicles to avoid blinding other drivers.
- Look for eye reflections: Animals' eyes may reflect headlights, making them easier to spot at night.
Maintain a safe following distance: Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you to allow for adequate reaction time if an animal suddenly appears.
Be cautious of animal behavior: Animals may not always move in predictable ways. Be prepared for sudden movements. If you see one animal, be cautious as animals tend to travel in groups and more animals may follow.
Minimize distractions: Avoid distractions, like using mobile devices or listening to loud music, to maintain full attention on the road and surroundings.
Use horns and lights:
- Alert animals: If you see an animal near the road, use your horn to alert it and encourage it to move away from the roadway.
- Flash your lights: Flashing your headlights may also help keep animals away from the road.
Plan routes wisely:
- Avoid high-risk areas: If possible, plan routes that avoid known wildlife crossing areas, especially during peak activity times for animals.
- Check for seasonal patterns: Be aware of seasonal migrations or breeding seasons that may increase animal activity in certain areas.
Practice defensive driving:
- Be prepared for the unexpected: Always be ready to react to sudden changes in traffic or the presence of animals.
- Maintain control: If an animal suddenly appears, try to maintain control of the vehicle rather than swerving. This can help prevent collisions, especially with other vehicles on the road.
Report incidents:
- Notify authorities: If a collision with an animal occurs, report it to local authorities immediately, especially if the animal is injured or poses a hazard to other drivers.
- Notify your company: Be sure to notify your company and advise them of any damages as well as the status of the vehicle’s condition prior to continued driving.

By employing these strategies, truck drivers can help significantly reduce the risk of collisions with animals. Staying alert, adjusting driving behavior, and being prepared for unexpected encounters are key to ensuring safety on the road. Continuous awareness and proactivity can help protect both drivers and wildlife.

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Strategies to avoid collisions with animals

For more recommendations on safety measures to help minimize collisions with animals, contact your Marsh representative.

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