Daylight saving time is over - meaning clocks moved back an hour on Sunday, which has its benefits and drawbacks. You get an extra hour of sleep...the light outside makes it easier to wake up in the morning, but the sun’s going down by the time the workday’s over.
The Division of Wildlife Resources is warning drivers about the increased likelihood of wildlife accidents because now many commutes home from work will be in the dark.
So far this year, there have been 3,500 deer collisions reported, and the actual number could be twice that because many people don’t report accidents, according to the DWR.
Daniel Olson is with the division. In a press release from the DWR he said November is the peak time when people hit deer - this is because animals cross more roads during migration and mating season.
He also said with less daylight hours there’s lower visibility. Unfortunately dawn and dusk are the times when animals are the most active. And traffic is heavier during these hours because employees are commuting to and from work.
The DWR suggests that drivers stay alert, pay attention to wildlife crossing signs and use high-beam lights when possible. The division says animal general travel in packs, so if you see one lookout for more.
They say if you do see animals while driving, stay in your lane, slow down and don’t swerve your car. They ask drivers to honk horns and flash lights to encourage animals to move.
And if you do hit an animal do not approach the injured animal istead contact local authorities if you’re injured or if the animal could pose a threat to other drivers’ safety.
