BOISE, ID – With fall underway, AAA is urging Idaho drivers to be alert for wildlife on the roads. The Idaho Transportation Department reports that one in five crashes statewide last year involved an animal.

“Large animals are very active this time of year, and they blend in with their surroundings,” said Matthew Conde, AAA Idaho public affairs director. “Please be extra careful in rural areas where wild animals and open range animals are likely to be present. Hitting one can be just as devastating as hitting another car.”

AAA advises motorists to scan for animals from dusk to dawn, use high beams when safe, and travel at cautious speeds. Drivers are also reminded not to swerve suddenly, to check for vehicle damage if a collision occurs, and to avoid approaching injured animals.

According to ITD, 74% of fatal crashes in 2024 happened on rural roads, though only 34% of overall crashes occurred there. Single-vehicle rollovers accounted for 61% of those fatalities. Conde emphasized that seat belts remain a critical safeguard, even on remote roads.