Watch For Wildlife

Just as some people can spot a yard sale at high speeds, others can spot a deer hiding in the ditch off the highway.

While the first ability won't necessarily contribute much to your safety, the second one will. If you drive in rural areas, you have to be alert to wildlife crossing the road, particularly at night.

If you find yourself often surprised at the last second by wildlife in your path, try to develop better observation skills.

Some drivers are good at this, particularly people who hunt wildlife. If you are riding with someone who always sees the deer, moose, skunk or armadillo first, find out how they do it. A flicker of ear movement, a glint of light reflected from an eye or a quick silhouette of the animal are the kinds of signals to watch for.

Slow down and pay attention when you drive through country inhabited by wildlife. Collision with even a small animal can cause serious damage to your vehicle and can cause you to lose control at the wheel. Collisions with animals and drivers are one reason for the high numbers of single vehicle fatalities in rural areas.

Put your passengers to work to help you spot wildlife too. Some companies require a passenger to stay awake and act as spotter for carpool vehicles on their way to employment at mines in remote areas. You can also use this extra pair of eyes in low-visibility conditions such as fog or rainstorms. But never rely on someone else's observations; as the driver you are solely responsible for operating the vehicle safely.

If you do encounter wildlife, prepare to stop or take evasive action. Dim your lights and honk the horn if you have time. Check for other vehicles before swerving. If you have to hit the animal, do your best to steer straight so you can stay on the road.

On country roads, livestock and slow-moving farm vehicles are also hazards you want to spot sooner, not later. In many areas cattle are allowed to range freely and it is up to the driver to avoid them. Tractors, grain trucks and other farm machinery may be moving so slowly you cannot stop or pass in time if you are speeding.
A seemingly peaceful country road can be deceiving. Logging trucks, mine vehicles, gravel trucks or other resource industry vehicles might use it.

Slow down and look around when you drive on rural highways and side roads. Not only will you be driving more safely, but you'll probably see some interesting sights.