Seasonal time change reminds drivers to watch for wildlife on roads, new Colorado law supports wildlife collision prevention

Changing clocks and driving habits during daylight saving time can help prevent wildlife-vehicle collisions. Wildlife and transportation experts advise Colorado drivers that wildlife is on the move, so drive with caution and slow down at night. 

Sunday, Nov. 1,  marks the end of daylight saving time, which means people will set clocks back an hour, see dusk earlier and wildlife are migrating to wintering habitats during rush-hour traffic on roadways. 

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and  Colorado State Patrol (CSP) ask motorists to drive cautiously, emphasizing our shared role in protecting wildlife as colder weather pushes animals to lower elevations.

• Slow down. Traveling at high speeds increases the danger of a crash with wildlife.
• Stay alert. Pay close attention to the roadway between dusk and dawn, when deer and other wildlife are most active and crossing roadways. Watch for movement and shining eyes along roadsides.
• Obey traffic signs. Many highways have wildlife warning signs to alert motorists of active wildlife movement areas to reduce the number of wildlife-vehicle collisions.
• Always wear a seat belt. Unfortunately, not every collision is avoidable. The risk of serious injury and death in a crash is reduced by half when seat belts are worn. 
• Report collisions. Drivers involved in a wildlife-vehicle collision should report the accident to the Colorado State Patrol by calling *CSP (star key and 277). 

In a recent press release from the Colorado State Patrol (CSP), troopers responded to 3,811 crashes involving wildlife last year, with October, November and December the most active months. CSP officials urge motorists to remove all distractions when driving and watch out for these beautiful animals.

• I-25 Greenland Wildlife Overpass
• I-70 Genesee Wildlife Crossing
• I-70 West Vail Pass Auxiliary Lanes/Wildlife Underpasses
• U.S. 160 Fort Garland Wildlife Underpasses
• U.S. 550 Connection South Wildlife Underpasses
• Colo. 9 Colorado River South Wildlife and Safety Improvements

Future of wildlife collision prevention 
This year, the Colorado Legislature passed Senate Bill 141 (SB-141), known as the Wildlife Collision Prevention Program. Beginning on Jan. 1, 2027, an optional $5 fee will be charged when registering vehicles. The optional fee will fund wildlife safety projects across the state.

Wildlife safety projects establish safe wildlife crossings and improve habitat connectivity along Colorado’s highways. Wildlife safety features include underpasses, overpasses, high exclusionary fencing, wildlife guards and escape ramps. These systems save both animal and human lives by reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions. CDOT, CPW and the Colorado Wildlife Transportation Alliance work together to design and build wildlife safety projects in areas with high rates of wildlife-vehicle collisions.

The optional fee is collected at the time of registration of a passenger motor vehicle, light-weight truck, motorcycle or recreational vehicle. An individual may decline to pay the fee when registering their vehicle, and nonpayment of the fee does not affect the individual's ability to register the motor vehicle.