After hitting a deer while riding in Colorado Springs, a motorcyclist was taken to Memorial Central Hospital with a traumatic brain injury. According to police, the motorcycle accident happened at about 6 a.m.
Animals, roadkill and other unexpected hazards can cause motorcycle accidents. Colorado has abundant wildlife, and from 1995 to 2005, there were 30,245 animal-vehicle collisions. About 29 of the auto accidents were fatal, with an additional 2,505 resulting in injuries.
What Can Motorcyclists Do to Avoid Accidents With Wildlife?
Fortunately, motorcyclists can sometimes avoid hitting deer and other potentially dangerous animals by adhering to the following safety tips.
- Deer are active in the early morning hours and later in the afternoon, when visibility is poor. It is recommended to avoid speeding and turn on high beams in areas where deer are likely to be present. Buying powerful high beam lights can be very useful for motorcyclists who live in areas populated by deer.
- Keeping an eye out for road signs warning of deer will help alert motorcyclists to stay extra cautious.
- Spotting one deer means there are likely more nearby. Deer are pack animals, and seeing one should alert a motorcyclist to be cautious of more in the area.
- Motorcyclists should always keep their skills sharp. This includes practicing braking and swerving techniques. Defensive driving techniques can help motorcyclists avoid many scenarios that can lead to an accident, including collisions with wildlife.
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Did You Know? According to the Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association, 15 percent of traffic fatalities in 2012 were motorcycle accidents.