Staying Alert and Staying Safe
Driving through Georgia, especially in rural or wooded areas, gives us plenty of chances to spot deer, raccoons, foxes, and even the occasional bear. But these sightings aren’t always welcome—sometimes they’re too close for comfort. Collisions with animals aren’t just stressful and expensive, they can be downright dangerous. That’s why it’s important to know how to stay alert and avoid these types of car accidents. As providers of Alpharetta 24-hour towing service, we’ve seen just how much damage a wildlife collision can cause. Let’s talk about how to reduce your chances of it happening.
Why Wildlife Collisions Happen
We’ve all been there—driving down a quiet road at night, music playing, eyes relaxed—and suddenly something darts into the headlights. Most wildlife collisions happen when visibility is low and driver focus slips. Deer are particularly active at dawn and dusk, and they often move in groups. So if you see one, more are likely nearby.
Add in high speeds and winding backroads, and it’s no wonder so many vehicles end up in our care after a wildlife-related accident.
Watch for Signs—and Not Just Road Signs
Those yellow wildlife crossing signs aren’t decorations. They’re posted in spots where animal movement is common. If you see one, take it seriously and reduce your speed. But we also recommend watching for these less obvious indicators:
- Glinting eyes in the roadside brush
- Sudden braking by cars ahead
- Changes in the behavior of pets if you’re in a residential area near woods
Adjust Your Speed—Especially at Night
Speed gives you less time to react. When we respond to calls for our Alpharetta 24-hour towing service, we often hear drivers say, “There was just no time.” Dropping your speed by even 5-10 mph in known animal zones at night can make a huge difference. Your headlights only illuminate so far ahead. Slower speeds give you those extra seconds that might be enough to avoid a crash.
Use Your High Beams—When You Can
High beams let you see further down the road, which means more time to react. Of course, you’ll need to dim them for oncoming traffic, but using them when the road is clear can help you spot animals early.
Stay in Control If You Spot an Animal
Our instinct is to swerve, but sudden jerking can send your car into a ditch or into oncoming traffic. Instead, brake firmly, stay in your lane, and honk the horn. Flashing your lights might help startle the animal enough to get it moving.
If contact is unavoidable, aim for the back end. It may sound strange, but this increases the chances the animal keeps moving forward and reduces the likelihood of it rolling up onto your windshield.
What to Do If You Hit an Animal
Sometimes no amount of caution is enough. If you do hit wildlife, pull over safely and check for damage. Do not approach a wounded animal—it may be scared and react aggressively. Call the local authorities or animal control. And if your vehicle isn’t driveable, that’s when we step in with Alpharetta 24-hour towing service to help get you off the road safely.
Here’s a quick checklist of steps to follow:
- Turn on your hazard lights
- Move your vehicle off the road if possible
- Call for help (tow truck, police, or animal control)
- Take photos for insurance purposes
- Do not touch or approach the animal
Staying Safe, Day and Night
Wildlife collisions are more than just a hazard—they’re a reality for drivers in Georgia. We always hope it won’t happen, but staying informed is the best defense. Over the years of running our Alpharetta 24-hour towing service, our Alpharetta 24-hour towing service team has seen firsthand how being aware and prepared can make a difference.
To recap, here’s how you can reduce the risk:
- Drive slower at night, especially in wooded areas
- Use your high beams responsibly
- Stay focused on the road, especially near known animal crossings
- Don’t swerve—brake and stay in control
- Know what to do after a collision
Patriot Towing: Your Premier Alpharetta 24-hour Towing Service
Roads in Georgia are beautiful, but they come with their own set of challenges. Let’s all do our part to drive carefully and keep both ourselves and the local wildlife safe. And if you ever find yourself in need of assistance, you can always count on our Alpharetta 24-hour towing service to be ready.
