URGENT UPDATE: Deer collisions have surged by 16% in the week following the recent time change, prompting experts to issue a critical warning for drivers. The shift to standard time, coupled with seasonal weather changes, significantly raises the risk of wildlife-related hazards on Colorado roads, officials report.
Experts are urging heightened vigilance as evening traffic now coincides with peak deer activity. “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,” stated Danny Kats, Executive Director of the Colorado Public Interest Research Group.
The alarming increase in deer-vehicle collisions is no coincidence. According to recent findings from Environment Colorado, drivers are 14 times more likely to hit a deer within two hours after sunset compared to the two hours before. Rachel Jaeger, an associate with the group, explained that as daylight savings shifts the clock, deer remain active during their regular hours, which now coincide with rush hour. “Their internal clocks don’t change just because we change our external clocks,” Jaeger added.
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) emphasizes that infrastructure improvements can greatly mitigate these incidents. Shoshana Lew, CDOT Executive Director, highlighted the effectiveness of wildlife crossings, stating, “A properly placed wildlife crossing can reduce these collisions by as much as 90%.” Currently, Colorado boasts 75 wildlife crossings, with more in development, including the upcoming Greenland Wildlife Crossing, set to be the largest in the world.
While such crossings, paired with wildlife fencing, have shown positive results, Lew reminded drivers that many roadways remain 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 stressed.
As the season progresses, sudden weather changes are also raising safety concerns. Experts recommend that drivers avoid distractions, use headlights, reduce speed, and increase following distances, especially during dawn and dusk. They advise being vigilant for the bright, reflective eyes of animals along the roadside and encourage the use of public transit whenever possible.
With the increased risk of deer collisions, the message is clear: Stay alert, drive cautiously, and be aware of your surroundings to help ensure safety on the roads this season.
For the latest updates on wildlife safety and traffic advisories, stay tuned as this story develops.
