Montana has some of the best scenic routes in the nation to explore – but drivers need to be wary if they’re traveling on them this fall. Autumn may bring a glorious array of colored leaves, but it also brings a lot of wildlife activity out near the roads.
As deer, elk, moose and other large animals enter mating season, they travel more frequently and behave less predictably. The danger of an encounter is often greatest around dawn and dusk, but an animal can enter the roadway at any time. A direct collision with one of these animals can cause devastating injuries, but there are even worse possibilities.
Swerving can lead to a head-on collision
A driver’s first instinct when they see a large animal in the road is to swerve. Unfortunately, they may not see an oncoming vehicle that is coming around a bend or up a hill, and they can end up in a head-on collision. On narrow rural highways, there’s little room to evade that kind of crash.
Tailgating can cause a chain-reaction crash
Rear-end and multi-vehicle accidents are also common results of wildlife encounters. A careful driver may see an animal leap into the road and manage to stop without making contact. However, all that caution won’t help them if the driver directly behind them is speeding, tailgating or distracted. They may crash into the foremost vehicle, pushing it into the animal or even across the center line, and that can end up involving even more vehicles.
If there’s an animal in the road, it’s better to brake than make a sudden, violent swerve. Drivers should also remember that deer, elk and similar animals often travel in groups. If you spot one, there may be others nearby.
If, despite your caution, you end up in a wreck because another driver panics or fails to use reasonable care when traveling through Montana’s rural areas, seek medical attention right away and document the scene if you can. An attorney can help determine liability and help you obtain the compensation you deserve.