Driving Responsibly: What Fleet Managers Can Do for Wildlife Conservation Day
Every year, millions of wildlife-vehicle collisions (WVCs) occur across the United States — posing serious risks to drivers, wildlife, and businesses operating vehicle fleets. According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), there are an estimated 1 to 2 million collisions between cars and large animals annually in the U.S., causing more than 200 human fatalities and over 26,000 injuries each year.
For fleet managers, these collisions are more than a safety concern — they’re a matter of operational cost, liability, and reputation. Wildlife Conservation Day (December 4) presents a timely opportunity for companies to take a leadership role in reducing road impacts, protecting biodiversity, and improving driver safety through smart management strategies.
Understanding Wildlife Collision Risks
Wildlife collisions are not random events. They tend to occur at dawn and dusk, when animals are most active, and on rural or forested roads where vegetation is close to the roadway. Seasonal migration patterns — especially in late fall and early spring — can dramatically increase risks.
Commonly affected species include deer, elk, moose, and smaller mammals, which are drawn to roadside vegetation or crossing corridors. According to the U.S. Forest Service, WVCs cost Americans over $8 billion annually, including property damage, towing, medical costs, and lost productivity.
For logistics operations, these risks intersect directly with route planning and delivery scheduling. Nighttime driving and long-haul trucking through wildlife corridors can significantly raise exposure to collisions, which in turn drives up insurance claims, vehicle downtime, and driver stress.
Strategies for Reducing Wildlife Collisions
Modern fleet technology and data-driven practices allow companies to take proactive measures that save both lives and money.
- Smart Routing and Data Analysis
Fleet managers can use telematics and GPS data to map collision-prone routes and adjust travel times away from dawn and dusk when possible. Integrating wildlife risk zones into route-planning software helps minimize exposure and optimize travel safety. - Night Driving Policies
Collisions are more likely after dark. Implementing night-driving restrictions or enhanced vehicle technology—such as thermal cameras, adaptive headlights, and high-visibility lighting systems—can significantly improve reaction time. - Wildlife Awareness Training
Include wildlife safety and avoidance techniques in driver education programs. Training drivers to scan road shoulders, reduce speeds in high-risk areas, and brake (not swerve) when an animal appears can dramatically reduce collision severity. - Incident Reporting and Analytics
Encourage drivers to report wildlife sightings and near-misses. This data can be invaluable for identifying recurring risk areas and refining safety protocols across the fleet.
Infrastructure and Partnerships
Long-term solutions go beyond company policy. The FHWA’s Wildlife Crossings Program emphasizes that dedicated infrastructure such as wildlife overpasses, fencing, and underpasses can reduce collisions by up to 85% when properly implemented.
Fleet managers can play a role by:
- Collaborating with state transportation departments and conservation organizations to identify critical road segments.
- Supporting or sponsoring wildlife crossing initiatives in regions where fleets operate.
- Sharing anonymized fleet data to help agencies target collision hotspots.
These partnerships not only protect wildlife but also enhance public perception of a company’s environmental commitment.
Financial and Operational Benefits
Reducing wildlife collisions is good business. The FHWA estimates that WVCs result in over $8 billion in annual costs across the U.S., including insurance claims, vehicle damage, and lost productivity (FHWA Wildlife Crossings Program).
For a fleet-based company, even a handful of avoided incidents per year can mean substantial savings in insurance premiums and repair expenses. Moreover, improved safety metrics can boost driver morale, reduce turnover, and strengthen a company’s brand reputation.
Aligning with wildlife protection also supports corporate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals — increasingly valued by investors, regulators, and customers alike. Sustainability in fleet management is no longer optional; it’s a competitive advantage.
Call to Action: Implementing Change
Wildlife Conservation Day is the perfect time to act. Fleet managers can start with small but impactful changes:
- Launch a pilot telematics program that identifies and monitors wildlife risk corridors.
- Integrate wildlife awareness into quarterly safety training.
- Review seasonal route plans and adjust schedules during known migration periods.
- Engage local conservation partners to explore community road safety programs.
By embedding wildlife protection into operational planning, businesses demonstrate leadership in both road safety and environmental stewardship.
Take the Next Step
Fleet managers are in a unique position to make a measurable impact — safeguarding drivers, reducing operational costs, and protecting wildlife along America’s roadways.
Every mile driven responsibly contributes to safer roads, lower expenses, and a healthier ecosystem. This December 4, let’s reaffirm the connection between smart fleet management and wildlife conservation — driving toward a future where business success and environmental protection move in the same direction.
At Montana Registration Services, we help businesses streamline every part of their fleet management process — from title transfers and registration to compliance and operational efficiency.
If your company needs assistance with forming an LLC or managing ongoing vehicle registrations, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team today. We help trucking businesses across the U.S. stay compliant, efficient, and ready for growth.
Montana Registration Services LLC
Website:Â https://mtregistrationservices.com
Email: cs@lc.mtregistrationservices.com
Phone: 406-540-6801
Address: 2718 Montana Ave, Suite 100, Billings, MT 59101