Watch for wildlife on the road this fall
By Joe Hathaway on Thursday, October 26th, 2023 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
NORTHEAST OREGON — Navigating Eastern Oregon’s roads during the fall season brings not only the vibrant colors of autumn but also the increased likelihood of encounters with deer and elk, prompting the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) to offer crucial tips for motorists to ensure a safe journey for both drivers and wildlife alike.
ODOT says it records an average of over 6,000 vehicle collisions involving deer and elk annually, a number likely higher due to unreported incidents with minimal damage.
Notably, collisions with deer and elk peak during October and November, coinciding with migration and breeding seasons. In light of this, ODOT offers tips to enhance road safety for drivers and protect Oregon’s wildlife.
Avoid Swerving: In the event of an animal on the road, refrain from swerving abruptly. Stay in your lane and focus on maintaining control of your vehicle. Many severe accidents result from drivers colliding with trees or oncoming vehicles while attempting to dodge animals.
Heightened Alertness: Wildlife-vehicle collisions can occur at any time, but peak during:
October and November due to deer and elk mating season and migration.
Dawn and dusk when animals are actively moving between food, water, and cover.
Rural two-lane state highways with a 55 mph speed limit.
Preventive Driving Habits:
Reduce speed in areas prone to wildlife collisions.
Utilize bright lights when safe.
Avoid tailgating to prevent collisions if the vehicle ahead stops suddenly.
On a four-lane road at night, dawn, or dusk, drive on the inside lane away from the shoulder to avoid roadside animals.
Enhanced Awareness in Thick Vegetation: Remain vigilant when roadside vegetation is dense, as animals may be challenging to spot until just before a collision.
Group Awareness: Deer often travel in groups. If one crosses the road, pause as others may follow.
Heed Wildlife Crossing Signs: Pay attention to signs marking areas with known wildlife/vehicle collisions. These indicators are crucial for promoting road safety.
ODOT encourages drivers to adopt these safety measures to mitigate wildlife-vehicle collisions, safeguarding both motorists and Oregon’s diverse wildlife population. For more information, visit
