Fall brings dusk‑to‑dawn wildlife movement—especially along tree lines, creek crossings, and the edges of two‑lane highways. Expect the most activity around sunset and an hour after. If you start or end in the Rockies, set your pickup near I‑70 using our car rental and choose a vehicle with modern headlights and a clear windshield.
Where and when to be extra alert
- Transitional zones: Forest‑to‑field edges, park boundaries, and river corridors concentrate movement.
- Last light: Combine slower speeds with wider following gaps around dusk and at dawn.
- Convoy wisely: If you’re trailing a larger vehicle, give it room; its brake lights are your early warning.
Gear and features that help
Automatic high beams reveal eyeshine farther out; adaptive headlights help on winding roads; and forward collision alert buys reaction time. Keep speeds modest; swerving can cause a worse crash. If a strike is unavoidable, brake firmly in a straight line and stay in control.
Map safer stops ahead of time. In mountain states, favor lit exits and towns rather than dark pull‑outs. For big‑city segments, anchor your route to bright hubs like coastal terminals at LAX and well‑signed Queens returns to finish the night calmly after long rural stretches.
FAQ
- What speed is safer in heavy deer zones? Aim 5–10 mph below the limit at dusk and add more space to the vehicle ahead.
- Are whistles or gadgets reliable? Not consistently—prioritize lighting, scanning, and patient speeds.
- What if I hit an animal? Pull off safely, turn on hazards, stay in the vehicle if traffic is fast, and call authorities and roadside assistance.
Hola Car Rentals offers flexible pricing and maximum coverage options, plus free cancellation up to 48 hours before pick‑up—handy if weather or migration forecasts change your plans.
