Get ready, Salt Lake City! This weekend, we bid farewell to daylight saving time, ushering in shorter days and a unique set of challenges for both drivers and wildlife.
As the sun sets earlier, dipping below the horizon at 5:21 p.m. on Sunday, we’ll be enveloped in darkness for longer stretches, especially in the weeks leading up to the winter solstice. This shift in daylight, coupled with the natural behaviors of our local deer population, creates a perfect storm for vehicle-deer collisions, according to Makeda Hanson, migration initiative coordinator at the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.
Come November, deer begin their annual migration into valley communities, seeking refuge from the encroaching snow in the mountains. This, combined with mating season, means they’re more active around dawn and dusk, precisely when our commutes coincide with the decreased visibility caused by the time change.
“November becomes a collision hotspot,” Hanson explains. “We have deer migrating, males searching for mates, and limited daylight. It’s a recipe for trouble on our roads.”
This year alone, the state has already recorded over 7,800 wildlife-vehicle collisions, a stark reminder of the cost – both financial and ecological – of these encounters. In 2022, Utah lawmakers took action, requiring the Utah Department of Transportation to track these collisions annually. The data paints a grim picture, with property damage and medical expenses reaching a staggering $138 million each year, according to Rep. Doug Owens, D-Millcreek, who championed this change.
UDOT has implemented countermeasures in high-risk areas, installing wildlife bridges, fencing, and other infrastructure to minimize collisions. But drivers can play a crucial role too.
Wildlife officials urge extra caution around sunrise and sunset, especially during November. Slow down when you spot an animal near the road, and remember that deer often travel in groups, meaning one sighting could signal more are nearby.
Staying Safe on the Road: Wildlife Collision Prevention
- Heed wildlife crossing signs – they’re strategically placed in areas with frequent animal crossings.
- Stay alert when driving near wooded areas, wetlands, and farmland.
- Scan both sides of the road and avoid distractions.
- Utilize high-beam headlights at night to spot ”eyeshine” in the distance.
- If you see an animal on the road, stay in your lane, slow down, honk your horn, and flash your lights to encourage them to move.
- Proceed cautiously even after the animal crosses, as they might attempt to cross again.
- If a collision occurs, pull over safely, activate your hazard lights, and avoid approaching the injured animal.
- Report all collisions using the state’s roadkill reporter app. This data helps guide the placement of future wildlife crossings.
For those yearning for those long summer evenings, daylight saving time returns on March 9, 2025, extending our sunlight until 7:28 p.m. But remember, with extended daylight comes its own set of adjustments.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Makeda Hanson, Migration Initiative Coordinator at the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
Editor: Welcome, Makeda! It’s great to have you with us today. As we prepare to say goodbye to daylight saving time this weekend, there’s a lot to discuss regarding the implications for both drivers and wildlife here in Salt Lake City. Can you start by explaining why this time change poses particular challenges for wildlife?
Makeda Hanson: Thank you for having me! As we transition out of daylight saving time, the early sunset at 5:21 p.m. means longer periods of darkness, which can significantly affect wildlife behavior. For our local deer population, this is a crucial time of year. They begin their annual migration into valley communities to escape the snow in the mountains, and they are particularly active during dawn and dusk—precisely when visibility for drivers decreases. This combination is what makes November a real hotspot for vehicle-deer collisions.
Editor: That’s a fascinating perspective. You mentioned that the deer are migrating and mating at this time. How does this behavior influence their movements, and what kind of issues does it create for commuters?
Makeda Hanson: November is a critical month for deer. As they search for mates, the males are more mobile and often travel further than usual. When you add in the natural migration patterns, we see a peak in deer activity just when drivers are hitting the road after work or school. This overlap leads to dangerous encounters. The statistics speak for themselves: this year alone, we’re looking at over 7,800 wildlife-vehicle collisions in Utah.
Editor: That’s an alarming number. Can you tell us more about the financial and ecological impacts these collisions have on the community?
Makeda Hanson: Certainly. Each collision not only puts drivers at risk but also has significant financial repercussions. In 2022, these encounters resulted in property damage and medical expenses totaling around $138 million annually, according to Rep. Doug Owens, who advocated for better tracking of these incidents. Ecologically, it’s also disruptive. Each collision can have a cascading effect on local ecosystems, particularly if we’re losing mature deer, which are vital to our local wildlife balance.
Editor: It sounds like a multifaceted issue. What measures has the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) implemented to combat this problem?
Makeda Hanson: UDOT has taken proactive steps to address this issue by implementing infrastructure changes in high-risk areas. They’ve installed wildlife bridges, fencing, and have also enhanced signage to alert drivers to potential deer crossings. These strategies aim to create safe passages for wildlife while reducing the likelihood of collisions. It’s a combined effort to protect both our natural wildlife and drivers on the road.
Editor: That’s great to hear! As daylight saving time approaches, what can drivers do to protect themselves and wildlife during this period?
Makeda Hanson: Awareness is key. Drivers should be extra vigilant, especially during twilight hours when deer are most active. Slowing down in known deer crossing areas can make a significant difference. Additionally, educating oneself about deer behaviors during this time can help drivers anticipate and avoid potential encounters. Remember, safety first—both for people and for our wildlife friends!
Editor: Thank you so much for sharing your insights, Makeda. It’s clear that the interplay between human activity and wildlife is intricate and deserves our attention, especially as we adapt to the changes daylight saving time brings.
Makeda Hanson: Thank you for having me! It’s important for us all to stay informed and responsible as we prepare for the winter months ahead. Stay safe out there!