Watch Out for Wildlife when Driving

(stock photo)

Source: Santa Barbara Police Department

Because of our proximity to the foothills of the Santa Ynez Mountains, Santa Barbara vehicle traffic continues to challenge the natural movement of indigenous wildlife such as deer, bobcats, mountain lions, bears, and other local creatures and critters.

Wildlife-car collisions increase during this time of year.  The most dangerous animal in North America isn’t the bear or the shark, but may well be the deer, and the deadliest time of year is fall. According to State Farm Insurance, on average, more collisions between cars and deer occur in November than in any other month.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are about 1 million car accidents involving deer each year that kill 200 Americans, cause more than 10,000 personal injuries, and result in $1 billion in vehicle damage.

November is a great opportunity to renew our focus and awareness that we live in a natural environment despite our city feel. Be particularly alert for wildlife when driving at dawn and dusk. Drive no faster than is safe and allow extra space when following vehicles on rural roads.