Happy Tails Rescue
Driver Safety Tips Around the Virginia Range
It is the time of year that we see horses coming near roadways and neighborhoods, so this month we are talking tips to PREVENT the need for rescue.
Why are they coming into populated areas? Horses are smart! They are natural energy conservationists - they reserve energy expenditure for survival. So a green lawn or landscape, or grass planted or growing along a roadway is a much easier meal than having to walk some extra miles in search of winter forage. This is especially true in areas where no fencing has been installed to separate the rangeland interface. (Wild Horse Connection and American Wild Horse Campaign are working with stakeholders on several critical areas!)
However that puts both drivers and horses in danger, especially at night on dark roadways. Here are some tips to stay safe:
Stay aware in known horse crossing areas. Eyes on the road, scanning the shoulders. Use brights whenever possible that it doesn’t interfere with other drivers.
Slow your speed during dark hours in known crossing areas.
It goes without saying, but don’t drive distracted. Keep the phone down and stay focused.
Give them space - if you see volunteer crews out with hazard lights trying to get horses off a roadway, slow or stop for a moment rather than try to drive around or through. They are ultimately trying to protect you, the driver.
Remember that horses can change direction and speed quickly. A horse that seems to be standing quietly or going another direction can suddenly dart across a road. By being aware you can quickly react and stay safe.
Remember that Nevada is a fence out state. If horses or livestock are not welcome on the property, you are responsible to fence them out using a proper, legal fence.
Report down or broken range or highway fencing to the Wild Horse Hotline at 775-352-3944.
Remember that it is illegal to feed the horses. It also draws them back to dangerous areas, and many treats can cause choke or colic for range horses not used to those types of food, so please do not feed!
It’s not just horses! We have had reported vehicle strikes of bears, deer, and mountain lions to name a few. There are also free range cattle and even some reports of pigs roaming free! Travel SAFE and be aware!
