Wild & Dangerous: Animals To Look Out For On The Roads

Road safety means more than just making sure you are driving correctly. In addition to maintaining an awareness of your own vehicle, and the movements of other cars, you also need to take note of potential hazards posed by wildlife on the roads.

Wildlife is an unpredictable aspect of the driving experience, where different species pose a variety of threats that can’t always be avoided. Take note of animal hazard signs and drive carefully through roads lined with dense woodland or farmyards to keep yourself safe.

Knowing and understanding the potential threats different kinds of wildlife can represent will also help you to prioritise your safety. Here are five categories of animal you may encounter on the roads, with an overview of how to mitigate potential danger.

Woodland Animals

One of the most hazardous landscapes for driving is an area with surrounding woodland, where dark, heavy vegetation can conceal animals that tend to stray onto the road. Keep an eye out for deer, rabbits and badgers, using your headlights to keep these creatures at bay, and driving slowly through the most densely populated areas.

Urban Animals

Even in the city or the suburbs, you can be exposed to threats from various wildlife. Urban foxes can be unfazed by noise and bright lights, whilst slower moving hedgehogs from local gardens can stray into traffic. Ensure to check your mirrors for animals emerging from vegetation, and proceed with caution throughout.

Farm Animals

Usually farmyard animals that are situated by a roadside are properly fenced in or secured by a tall hedge. In the rare case where a cow or sheep strays onto the road, avoid causing the animal excess distress by using your horn. Instead, exercise patience and caution, and in certain cases where multiple animals are exposed, contact the local authorities for support.

Birds

Birds pose a threat to vehicles in all landscapes, and can cause problems on the road or from the air. Pigeons, seagulls and crows can loiter near slow or stationary vehicles looking for food, or fly into windshields if visibility is poor. Remember to keep an eye on the road ahead, and use noise or light to deter birds from approaching your vehicle.

Residential Animals

It is not just wildlife that can create a hazard on the roads. In densely populated urban areas, outdoor cats can pose a risk to vehicles, and in more rare cases so can stray dogs and other pets. Look out for domestic cats when reversing or entering a driveway, especially if you are aware of pets living in your neighbourhood.

Maximise Your Safety With Acorn Tyres

Staying safe out on the roads means remaining aware of surrounding wildlife. You can improve your car safety by ensuring your vehicle is MOT ready, and that your brakes and exhausts are all working correctly.

At Acorn Tyres & Servicing, we offer a thorough range of car MOT services to keep you driving safely. We can also provide a regular brake service, and new car tyres whenever you may need them. Contact us today for more information about keeping your vehicle in the best condition.