Moose Collision Near Silverthorne, CO
Each year, hundreds of animals die and people are injured in wildlife collisions. According to transportation studies, motor vehicle accidents involving wildlife rank as the third leading cause for crashes behind speeding and inattentive driving.
Last week Kayla Whitehead captured a graphic collision between an SUV and a moose on Highway 9 north of Silverthorne, CO. While the vehicle was damaged, the passengers were unharmed and were able to drive away from the accident. The moose can be seen walking away after the crash. Wildlife officers were not able to find the moose, and believe it was able to survive the accident.
Warning: This video contains graphic content and may be upsetting to some people.
Neither the moose or the passengers were seriously injured.
While some collisions may be unavoidable, motorists can reduce the likelihood of an accident by taking the following precautions:
Remember These Tips
- Slow Down! Driving more slowly increases reaction time and reduces the chance of a collision.
- Stay Alert while driving at dusk and dawn. This is when many of Colorado’s wildlife are the most active and are likely to be crossing roadways.
- Scan Ahead and watch for movement along roadsides. When driving at night, watch for shining eyes in headlights. Always look and be prepared for more than one animal.
- Obey traffic signs and watch for wildlife warning signs.
High-risk Areas
Wildlife-related accidents can happen anywhere in Colorado. However, drivers should be especially cautious when traveling through forests and agricultural land, as well as the following “high-risk” areas:
- Interstate 70 (Floyd Hill, Mt. Vernon Canyon and Eagle)
- US 285 (Morrison)
- Highway 160 (Durango to Pagosa Springs and Durango to Mancos)
- Highway 550 (north of Durango and from Montrose to Ouray)
- Interstate 25 (Castle Rock to Larkspur)
- Highway 82 (Glenwood Springs to Aspen)
- Highway 36 (Boulder to Lyons)
- Highway 93 (Golden to Boulder)
- Highway 9 (Silverthorne to Kremmling)
