We’re moving into the fall season, and drivers across North America face an increased risk of animal strikes, particularly deer. While animal strikes can occur anytime, fall and early winter are peak seasons for deer-related crashes due to mating and migration. However, deer aren’t the only wildlife hazards on the road. Wild boar, bears, elk, alligators, large birds, and other animals can threaten your fleet and drivers as well.

Understanding how to prepare for and respond to animal strikes is an important part of being a commercial driver. In this blog post, we’ll explore the impact of animal strikes, how to avoid them, and what to do if a collision is inevitable.

Animal strike statistics

Animal strikes are a common concern for all drivers, including those who operate commercial vehicles. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, from 1975 to the mid-2000s, there was a general upward trend in deaths from collisions with animals. However, this trend has leveled off in the past few years. There were 164 deaths from collisions with animals in 2021, most often during October-December. According to data from State Farm, U.S. drivers had an estimated 1.8 million animal collision insurance claims between July 2022 and June 2023.

With more forested areas, Canada motorists are just as susceptible to animal strikes. An average of six large animal-vehicle collisions occur every hour in Canada, according to the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA). While comprehensive data is limited in some countries, overarching reports indicate that animal strikes, including those involving livestock and wild animals, pose a risk, particularly in rural areas.

Defensive driving strategy

Avoiding animal strikes on the road requires a combination of defensive driving tactics and staying alert to your surroundings, especially when animals are most active or conditions make them harder to see. Here are some tips to keep you safe:

  • Many animals are most active during dawn and dusk. Deer, in particular, are more likely to cross roads during these times, so increased vigilance is key. Stay alert, especially at dawn and dusk.
  • When driving at night, using high beams can help illuminate the eyes of animals, making them more visible. However, be sure to dim your lights when oncoming traffic approaches to avoid blinding other drivers.
  • Animal crossing signs are not random. They are placed in areas with a history of animal crossings. Slow down and stay vigilant when you see them.
  • Swerving to avoid an animal can lead to a more severe crash, especially if it results in losing control of your vehicle or veering into oncoming traffic. It is generally safer to brake firmly and remain in your lane.
  • Knowledge of local wildlife can aid in preparedness. For instance, in Florida and Louisiana, alligators may cross the road in swampy areas, while elk and bears are more common in the Rockies and wild boars in southern Arizona. Moose may be an issue in Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana. Adjusting driving habits and routes based on the presence of wildlife can help mitigate risks.

What to do when a crash is inevitable

While common sense dictates that a driver should avoid collisions at all costs, sometimes a strike is inevitable. 

Maintaining control of the vehicle is paramount. When large animals like elk, moose, or wild boar are present, attempting to maneuver around them might result in more severe crashes. The best action is to brake firmly, remain in your lane, and brace for impact.

Post-strike protocol

If equipped with an AI-powered dash cam like the Motive AI Dashcam, management will likely be notified immediately following a collision. Here are some steps drivers should take to prioritize their safety and the safety of other road users.      

  •  If possible, move the vehicle to a safe location off the road to avoid secondary collisions. Turn on hazard lights to alert other drivers.
  • Assess yourself and any passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call emergency services immediately. Motive’s First Responder feature can help expedite emergency response for your driver if they are incapacitated. 
  •  Even if there are no injuries, reporting the incident to local authorities is essential, particularly if the animal carcass obstructs the roadway or poses a hazard to other vehicles.
  • Before continuing on your trip, thoroughly inspect your vehicle. Check for leaks, tire damage, and other signs that your vehicle may be unsafe to drive.
  • If your vehicle is disabled due to the collision, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations dictate you must use reflective triangles or flares to warn other drivers. Place these warning devices at appropriate distances as specified by FMCSA regulations: one at 10 feet, another at 100 feet, and the third at 200 feet from the vehicle, all pointing toward approaching traffic.

Preparing drivers for strikes

For fleets, preparing drivers for the possibility of animal strikes should be a fundamental part of driver training programs. Here are key points that highlight the importance of incorporating animal strike preparedness into your program:

  • Drivers should receive regular training on defensive driving, including how to handle unexpected wildlife.
  • Training should cover what to do immediately following an animal strike, emphasizing safety and compliance with regulations and company policy.
  • Drivers should be educated on the types of wildlife they might encounter in different regions and how to adjust their driving accordingly.
  • Well-maintained vehicles can prevent secondary issues following a strike. Drivers should know how to perform vehicle inspections if a collision occurs.

Animal strikes are often an unavoidable risk for drivers, but being proactive mitigates the dangers. Drivers can protect themselves, their cargo, and other road users by understanding wildlife patterns, staying alert, adhering to defensive driving practices, and knowing what to do when a strike occurs. Fleets play a big role in this, ensuring their drivers are well trained, prepared, and equipped to handle these encounters safely.

Stay ahead of animal strikes this season

Animal strikes are a serious risk for commercial drivers, but with the right preparation and training, you can protect your fleet and your drivers. Don’t let the dangers of wildlife collisions catch your drivers off guard. With Motive AI Dashcams and real-time alerts, you can help your drivers stay aware, make safer decisions, and respond more effectively to potential wildlife hazards. Request a demo today.