Roads and Wildlife

How to be a Wildlife-friendly Driver

One of the best things about driving in Maine is seeing wildlife along the way. But hundreds of thousands of animals get injured or killed every year on our roads—here are some tips on how to avoid hitting them.

Avoid driving at peak animal hours.

Avoid driving in wildlife-rich areas at dawn, dusk, and a few hours after dark, when animals are more likely to be moving around and feeding.

Be alert.

Keep alert in areas likely to be populated by wildlife, such as country roads or parks. Be cautious, scanning both the road ahead and the roadsides. Get any passengers to help and pay attention to any posted warning signs (i.e., Deer Crossing).

Slow down.

Driving slower when visibility is poor or where you think wildlife might appear gives you greater reaction time and a better chance of avoiding a collision.

Use high beams.

Use your high beams whenever
possible so you can see further. However, if you see an animal ahead, dip your headlights. Bright lights can dazzle animals and keep them from moving off the road.

Give wildlife time and space to move off the road.

Some animals may act unpredictably, so if you can, give them plenty of time and room to move off the road before passing. If necessary, sound your horn in a series of short bursts.

Don’t litter.

Throwing garbage out of your car is
illegal and may attract wildlife to feed on roads.

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