In the wake of a significant number of wildlife-related vehicle crashes in the Colorado Rockies and western slope, the Colorado State Patrol has issued safety recommendations to prevent accidents. Last year, troopers responded to 256 incidents involving animals and vehicles, emphasizing the need for caution when driving through these regions.
This concern for motorist safety has prompted Major David Rollins of the Colorado State Patrol to offer guidance, “The worst choice you can make is to swerve outside your lane or slam on your brakes with vehicles behind you,” he explained, as obtained by
Colorado State Patrol
. People involved in such situations may experience serious crashes, often as a result of impulsive attempts to avoid hitting the animal involved.
High beams are recommended when driving in rural and open space areas at night, provided there are no other motorists nearby. This practice, along with adhering to the speed limit and remaining vigilant, increases the driver’s chances of spotting and reacting to wildlife on the roadway. In situations where there is traffic behind the vehicle, the advice is to maintain control and angle slightly towards the backside of the animal, keeping within the lane, rather than making unpredictable swerves.
For travelers unfamiliar with the mountainous Colorado terrain, the State Patrol has updated its Super Cruising in Colorado online resource. This resource is equipped with tips to navigate these scenic byways safely, and offers advice on peak wildlife movement seasons, particularly from October to December. In the event of an animal collision, the rule of thumb is to check the passenger’s well-being, pull over safely, and call 911, especially if a large animal is involved and remains obstructive.
As per the Colorado State Patrol’s guidance, motorists are advised to slow down when animals are spotted near the roadway, stay alert, pay attention to wildlife crossing signs, and use their horn to alert others if safe to do so. During peak animal activity hours dusk to dawn, as well as hunting and mating seasons, drivers should be particularly cautious. Should a collision occur, control of the vehicle should be maintained, avoiding dramatic maneuvers that could lead to more severe accidents.
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