URGENT UPDATE: Collisions with deer have surged by 16% in the week following the recent time change, raising significant safety concerns for drivers across Colorado. Experts are warning motorists to remain vigilant as dusk now coincides with peak traffic hours, creating heightened risks on the roads.
According to Environment Colorado, the shift to standard time moves rush hour into the evening, a time when deer are most active. “Their internal clocks don’t change just because we change our external clocks,” said Rachel Jaeger, an associate with the group. With deer more likely to cross roads during these hours, drivers are 14 times more likely to hit a deer in the two hours after sunset compared to the two hours before.
Authorities are emphasizing that drivers need to adapt their behavior during this critical period. 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 some increased public safety risks when you’re on the roads.”
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is actively working on solutions to mitigate these collisions. Executive Director Shoshana Lew highlighted the importance of wildlife crossings, noting that a properly placed crossing can reduce collisions by as much as 90%. Currently, Colorado has 75 wildlife crossings in operation, with more projects underway, including the upcoming Greenland Wildlife Crossing, which will be the largest in the world upon its opening later this year.
Despite these infrastructure improvements, Lew cautioned that most roadways remain exposed 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 remarked.
In addition to increased deer activity, sudden shifts in weather this time of year further complicate driving conditions. Officials urge drivers to take precautions such as avoiding distractions, using headlights, reducing speed, and increasing following distance, particularly around sunrise and sunset. They recommend looking for the bright, reflective eyes of animals along the roadside and utilizing public transit whenever possible.
The surge in deer collisions is not just a statistic; it represents real danger for drivers and wildlife alike. Experts are calling for heightened awareness as the seasonal changes continue to impact road safety.
Stay informed and drive safely during this critical period. Share this information to help protect fellow drivers and our wildlife.
