Driving with Care: How Dash cams Protect Wildlife on the Road

Did you know that 90% of wildlife collisions happen on rural roads? These areas often have poor lighting and limited visibility, making it hard to spot animals until it’s too late (FHWA, USDOT).

Dash cams can act as an extra set of eyes on the road. Recording wildlife crossings helps drivers learn where animals are most likely to appear. For example:

• • If your Dash cam catches a deer crossing a particular stretch of road, you’ll know to slow down in that area next time.
  • Reviewing footage can help you spot patterns—like animals being more active at dawn or dusk—so you can adjust your driving habits.
  • Over time, this awareness can make a big difference in preventing accidents.

Wildlife collisions aren’t just dangerous—they’re expensive. The average vehicle repair cost after hitting a large animal (like a deer or moose) is a whopping $4,000 (FHWA, Press Herald).

By helping you avoid these accidents, Dash cams can save you a ton of money—not to mention the heartbreak of injuring an animal. And if a collision does happen, your Dash cam footage can provide crucial evidence for insurance claims, ensuring you’re not unfairly blamed.

One of the best things about Dash cams is that they pinpoint problem areas. For example, researchers found that most wildlife collisions in Alaska happened at night on rural highways with poor visibility (Alaska DOT).

Dash cams can provide similar insights in your area. When drivers share footage of near-misses or collisions, authorities can take action, such as:

Putting up wildlife crossing signs.

Lowering speed limits in high-risk zones.

Building fences or underpasses to guide animals safely across roads.

It’s a simple way to make roads safer for everyone—without waiting for a major accident to happen.

Wildlife collisions aren’t just dangerous—they’re expensive. The average vehicle repair cost after hitting a large animal (like a deer or moose) is a whopping $4,000 (FHWA, Press Herald).

By helping you avoid these accidents, Dash cams can save you a ton of money—not to mention the heartbreak of injuring an animal. And if a collision does happen, your Dash cam footage can provide crucial evidence for insurance claims, ensuring you’re not unfairly blamed.

Want to get the most out of your Dash cam? Here are a few tips:

• • Position it properly: Make sure your Dash cam has a clear view of the road and the sides where animals are likely to appear.
  • Use night vision: Many wildlife collisions happen at night, so a Dash cam with night vision can capture clearer footage.
  • Share your videos: If you notice frequent wildlife activity in a particular area, share your footage with local authorities or conservation groups. You could help prevent future accidents!