Preventing Collisions Between Cars and Wild Animals
With cooler temperatures approaching even here in the Sunshine State, many of us are taking a moment to do maintenance checks on our vehicles. However, one driver in the Sunshine State recently got a lot more than any of us bargain for when lifting up the hood of a car. According to an article published by Local 10 News, a 10-foot Burmese python was found coiled up inside the engine compartment of a Ford Mustang in Dania Beach. While pythons have become a serious environmental problem in the nearby Everglades, it is unclear how the approximately 10-foot invasive animal made its way so far east to the inside of the Mustang.
The Consequences of Cars and Wildlife Colliding
Animals sometimes take shelter from the elements inside a car by climbing under the hood. The unfortunate reality is that animals can be a negative factor when it comes to cars regardless of whether or not they inadvertently lock themselves inside. One of the consequences of this is that a large number of car accidents are caused by animals every year. In addition to the fact that a collision with some form of wildlife occurs, on average, every 39 minutes in this country, roughly 200 motorists die in the United States from car-wildlife collisions on an annual basis.
Avoiding these Collisions
Most of us would rather not find ourselves in an encounter with a wild animal, a sentiment that applies while we are behind the wheel and in general. In the unfortunate event that your vehicle collides with a wild animal, you can pull over and, if you can do so safely, call a local vet or wildlife center to come help the wounded animal. However, as your ultimate responsibility while behind the wheel is to yourself, your passengers, and other motorists, you should undertake efforts to try to avoid collisions with animals in the first place. When it comes to lessening your chances of encountering an animal on the road, make sure that you:
- Are extra alert at dawn and dusk when many wild animals are the most active
- Ensure your headlights are working and on at night or when it is raining
- Keep an eye out for more animals if you see one as they often travel in groups
Turn to Us for Help.
Collisions between cars and animals are frustrating, but accidents unfortunately occur here in Florida every day. Whether you are the victim of a car crash involving an animal or are involved in some other kind of accident, obtaining competent legal help is vital in cases involving serious injury to yourself or another person. It is also imperative to have the right legal advocate on your side if a loved one of yours has died as a result of such an accident. As the Tampa personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm, we advocate for accident victims and we can help you recover any compensation you are entitled to. Contact us today so we can begin discussing your best options for proceeding.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Fort Lauderdale, Ocala, Fort Myers, Bradenton, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Miami, Orlando and Daytona Beach areas.
Resource:
local10.com/news/local/2020/10/30/10-foot-python-removed-from-under-car-hood-in-dania-beach/