URGENT UPDATE: New data reveals that deer collisions spike by 16% in the week following the switch to standard time, prompting experts to urge drivers to stay alert. The combination of the time change and seasonal weather shifts dramatically raises the risk of dangerous encounters on the roads.
According to a report from Environment Colorado, the time change shifts peak traffic periods into dusk and early evening, coinciding with when deer are most active. Rachel Jaeger, an associate with the group, emphasized, “Their internal clocks don’t change just because we change our external clocks. They’ll be out and active whenever they typically prefer, which is those early evening hours.”
Authorities are sounding the alarm, with Danny Kats, executive director of the Colorado Public Interest Research Group, stating, “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 statistics are startling: drivers are 14 times more likely to hit a deer within the two hours after sunset compared to the two hours before. Most wildlife-vehicle collisions in Colorado involve deer, making this an urgent concern for commuters.
Shoshana Lew, executive director of the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), highlighted that infrastructure improvements can significantly mitigate these incidents. “A properly placed wildlife crossing can reduce these collisions by as much as 90%,” Lew stated. Currently, Colorado boasts 75 wildlife crossings with more projects on the horizon, including the groundbreaking Greenland Wildlife Crossing, set to open later this year as the largest of its kind globally.
While these crossings and accompanying wildlife fencing prove effective, Lew urges drivers to remain vigilant. “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 added.
As winter approaches, sudden weather changes add another layer of danger. Experts recommend actionable safety tips: avoid distractions, use headlights, reduce speed, and increase following distances, especially around sunrise and sunset. Drivers should be on the lookout for the bright, reflective eyes of animals along the roadside and utilize public transit whenever possible.
This situation is developing rapidly, and with road safety at stake, immediate awareness and precautionary measures are essential. This is not just a seasonal issue; it’s a public safety imperative for all who travel in these areas. Stay tuned for ongoing updates as more data emerges.
