UPDATE: Deer collisions have surged by 16% in the week following the recent time change, raising urgent safety concerns for drivers. Experts are warning motorists to heighten their vigilance as the shift to standard time coincides with increased animal activity and changing weather conditions.
According to a new study from Environment Colorado, the time change shifts peak traffic hours into dusk and early evening, when deer are most active. Rachel Jaeger, an associate with the organization, emphasized, “Their internal clocks don’t change just because we change our external clocks.” This means deer remain active during the early evening hours when many drivers are on the road.
Statistics reveal drivers are 14 times more likely to hit a deer in the two hours after sunset compared to the two hours before. Most wildlife-vehicle collisions in Colorado involve deer, stressing the need for caution. Danny Kats, executive director of the Colorado Public Interest Research Group, stated, “Now is a really important time for people to just be aware that there are increased public safety risks when you’re on the roads.”
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is addressing the issue with innovative solutions. Executive Director Shoshana Lew noted that properly placed wildlife crossings can reduce collisions by as much as 90%. Currently, Colorado boasts 75 wildlife crossings across the state, with more projects, including the upcoming Greenland Wildlife Crossing, set to open later this year as the largest of its kind in the world.
Despite these advancements, Lew urged drivers to remain vigilant, emphasizing that many roadways are still vulnerable to wildlife. “We love living amongst nature, and we have to drive in a way where we know that our neighbors are not just other drivers, but the animals who reside here as well,” she stated.
Authorities also warn that sudden weather changes during this season can exacerbate hazards on the road. To enhance safety, experts recommend drivers avoid distractions, use headlights, reduce speed, and increase following distance, especially around sunrise and sunset. Motorists are advised to be on the lookout for bright, reflective eyes along the roadside and to consider using public transit when possible.
Stay alert this season. With deer collisions on the rise, the time to act is now. Make sure to share this vital information to keep your community safe on the roads.
