Too Many Road Kills

I can not believe the number of rundown, dead animals I’ve seen recently on the roadways, just through Goffstown areas. They have ranged from squirrels, to chipmunks, woodchucks, fox, turtles, cats opossum, deer and even moose. There are enough dead animals accumulating for someone to open up a Road Kill Café in town. It is truly a shame. Granted, an animal may very suddenly streak across the road and not get noticed until it is too late. However, statistics show that the majority of road kills happen because drivers are not paying attention. They are too busy blabbing on the cell phone, texting, eating while driving or they are speeding well over the posted speed limits. 

Nighttime is another period when many road kills occur. To reduce your chances of running over an animal at night, there are some things you can do: 

1. Reduce your driving speed at night.
2. Keep your headlights on high beam whenever possible (providing another vehicle isn’t approaching you from the opposite direction).
3. Scan both sides of the roadway as you travel.
4. Be able to stop within the zone of your headlights.
5. If you see an animal, slow down immediately or stop if necessary until you have passed it or it has left the roadway.
6. If you are traveling at night, dusk or in heavy fog conditions and the speed limit is 65 MPH, drop down to 55 MPH. 

It is unfortunate that so many drivers travel highways at speeds of 15 to 25 miles per hour faster than the limit. You can help save the lives of animals by paying attention and driving with caution and safety.

Bob Harris can be reached via e-mail at: outwriter2@aol.com

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