If you’ve hit an animal while driving, there are a few things you can do to help:
1. Secure the Scene
Ensure your car is secure by putting on your hazard lights and parking a safe distance away. This will help prevent further accidents from happening.
2. Assess the Animal’s Condition
Take a moment to observe the animal’s condition. Do not approach them if they are a wild animal or if they are agitated. If the animal is a pet, look for identification tags on their collar.
If the animal is unconscious or severely injured, you may need to call a professional wildlife rescuer or the local animal control office to help manage the situation.
3. Move the Animal to Safety
If possible, move the animal to a safe place away from traffic. You can do this by carefully using a thick blanket or towel to scoop up the animal, making sure you keep your hands away from its mouth and face.
If the animal is mobile and able to move, encourage them to walk away from the road by keeping a safe distance and clapping your hands or making noise.
4. Protect Yourself
When dealing with an injured animal, it’s important to protect yourself. Wild animals can become dangerous and unpredictably defensive when injured, so keep your distance.
You should always wear gloves while handling the animal and avoid contact with their saliva, blood, or other bodily fluids. You may also want to consider wearing protective gear like long pants and sleeves.
5. Contact Emergency Services
Once the animal is secure and in a safe location, it’s time to contact the appropriate emergency services. If the animal is a pet, contact their owner and provide them with any relevant information.
For wild animals or strays, call your local animal control office or a wildlife rescue organization. They will dispatch a trained professional who can assess the animal’s condition and provide the appropriate medical attention.
6. Offer Help
Offering assistance is a great way to provide help to the animal. You can find local rescues in your area or offer to foster the animal until it recovers.
7. Prevention is Key
Although accidents happen, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and avoid hitting an animal while driving.
Always drive with your headlights on to make yourself visible, especially in rural areas. Drive with caution around areas that are prone to animal crossings, such as parks and forests.
If you spot an animal on the road, slow your vehicle and honk your horn to alert the animal and give it time to move safely out of the way.
Conclusion
Hitting an animal with your car can be a traumatic experience, but it’s important to prioritize the animal’s well-being and take action as quickly as possible. By following these steps, you can help reduce the chances of a fatal accident and offer aid to injured animals when they need it most.