4 days ago
CSP launches Give Me a ‘Brake' promoting safe driving around wildlife
MESA COUNTY, Colo. (KREX) – As peak calving season for elk rolls around this June and July, the Colorado State Patrol is issuing and enforcement and education campaign titled, Give Me a 'Brake,' to support the reduction of collisions between wildlife and vehicles.
In 2024, animal-involved crashes made for the third-most common crash factor, state troopers investigated over 3,500 of them. 96% of those collisions caused property damage only for the motorist, but often, the animals wouldn't survive.
'Highway 74 in Evergreen, like so many picturesque areas of Colorado, is an example of a roadway that sees many wildlife crossings,' said Col. Matthew Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. 'We want to warn drivers to slow their speeds and stay alert during this high activity season for new animals traveling with their mothers.'
CSP will be conducting weekly enforcement this month down Highway 74 to keep speeds in check and spread knowledge about spotting wildlife and driving around them.
Besides the safety of animals and drivers, these crashes can be quite costly. They cause over a billion dollars in insurance payout yearly, according to the Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association, with the average cost of property damage being over three grand.
Here are some tips from CSP and its Wild Eyes Program:
Scan roads (or shoulders) for movement, eye shine
Use bright lights at night when safe and flash lights at oncoming cars to warn of wildlife on the road
Do not honk at wildlife in/near road
Stop for wildlife in road/use hazard lights
Don't exceed the speed limit
If you are involved in a crash with wildlife, CSP wants you to call 911, and if you witness distressed wildlife from potentially being involved in a crash, call CSP.
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