Technical Update vol. 29 no. 51 - Wildlife-Related Auto Accidents

Wildlife-vehicle collisions pose an urgent and growing safety threat at both the national and local levels. In the United States between July 2024 and June 2025, an alarming 1.7 million animal-vehicle collisions were reported, with deer as the most commonly struck species. In Colorado, wildlife-vehicle collisions are a persistent and severe concern: state records show an average of roughly 3,300 annually on Colorado highways, but the true total is even higher, as many incidents go unreported.

In just five years, CAPP has paid out $1,200,000 in claims for 190 wildlife-related accidents. While deer account for most incidents, turkeys, bears, coyotes, badgers, and cows have also caused damage and injuries. Motor vehicle accidents in Colorado with wildlife now rank as the third leading cause of crashes, surpassed only by speeding and distracted driving, making immediate awareness and action essential.

Across the country, October-December are the peak months for wildlife-related auto accidents. With shorter daylight hours, many drivers commute during dawn and dusk, when big game animals, especially deer, are most active. Additionally, November marks the peak of deer mating season, when these animals become more mobile, easily distracted, and more likely to cross roadways.

Understanding these risks and taking precautions during this high-risk season can help save lives, reduce injuries, and prevent costly vehicle damage.

DRIVING TIPS: AVOIDING WILDLIFE COLLISIONS

While it’s not always possible to avoid driving during peak wildlife activity, these tips can help reduce the risk of collisions:

• Slow down – Driving slower gives you more time to react if an animal crosses your path.
• Stay alert – Focus on the road, especially when wildlife is most active at dawn or dusk.
• Brake, don’t swerve – Swerving can cause you to lose control or collide with another vehicle. Brake quickly and safely instead, avoiding sudden turns that might confuse the animal.
• Scan ahead – Watch for movement on the roadside and, at night, look for eyes reflecting in your headlights. If you spot one animal, be prepared for others to follow.
• Obey traffic signs – Pay attention to wildlife crossing signs, which mark areas where animals are frequently on the move.
• Buckle up – Seatbelts save lives. Studies show that 60% of those killed in animal-related collisions were not wearing seatbelts.

Stay cautious and prepared—these small actions can make a big difference in preventing accidents and staying safe on the road.

DANGEROUS HIGHWAYS: STAY ALERT FOR WILDLIFE CROSSINGS

Wildlife crossings can happen unexpectedly, especially when driving through forests, agricultural areas, and regions with high wildlife activity. Colorado Parks & Wildlife has identified the following highways as high-risk areas for wildlife-related auto accidents:

• Interstate 70 (Floyd Hill, Mt. Vernon Canyon, and Eagle)
• US 285 (Morrison)
• Highway 160 (Durango to Pagosa Springs; Durango to Mancos)
• Highway 550 (North of Durango; Montrose to Ouray)
• Interstate 25 (Castle Rock to Larkspur)
• Highway 82 (Glenwood Springs to Aspen)
• Highway 36 (Boulder to Lyons)
• Highway 93 (Golden to Boulder)

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR COUNTIES 

Drivers should remain vigilant, particularly when wildlife activity is heightened in the fall. Increased awareness can prevent accidents and save lives. For questions about claims or to learn more about driver safety, contact CTSI Loss Control at (303) 861-0507.