UPDATE: New findings reveal deer collisions have surged by 16% in the week following the recent time change, prompting urgent warnings for drivers to stay vigilant on the roads. Experts are emphasizing the heightened risk due to the shift to standard time and seasonal weather changes, which can create hazardous driving conditions.
According to Environment Colorado, the adjustment in clocks moves peak traffic periods into dusk and early evening, coinciding with the times when deer and other wildlife are most active. Rachel Jaeger, an associate with the organization, states, “Their internal clocks don’t change just because we change our external clocks. They’ll be out and active during those early evening hours.”
Drivers are now 14 times more likely to hit a deer in the two hours after sunset compared to the two hours before, highlighting a critical period for road safety. Most wildlife-vehicle collisions in Colorado involve deer, making it essential for motorists to exercise caution.
Shoshana Lew, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), points to infrastructure improvements as a solution. “A properly placed wildlife crossing can reduce these collisions by as much as 90%,” Lew noted. Colorado currently has 75 wildlife crossings in operation, with more projects, including the Greenland Wildlife Crossing, set to open later this year as the world’s largest such structure.
Despite these advancements, Lew stresses that most roadways still expose drivers 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 said.
As weather patterns shift this time of year, officials are warning that sudden changes can further increase driving hazards. Safety recommendations include avoiding distractions, using headlights, reducing speed, and increasing following distance, especially around sunrise and sunset. Drivers are urged to watch for the bright, reflective eyes of animals along the roadside and consider public transit whenever possible.
With the risk of deer collisions climbing, authorities are calling for a collective effort to enhance road safety. Stay alert and share this vital information with fellow motorists to ensure everyone remains safe during this critical time of year.
