Target: Colonel Matthew C. Packard, Director of the Colorado State Patrol
Goal: Implement stronger measures to protect wildlife and reduce vehicle collisions on I-70.
Wildlife-vehicle collisions remain a significant danger on I-70, with alarming statistics revealing that they were the third most common crash factor in 2024, according to the Colorado State Patrol. Troopers reported investigating 3,573 of these crashes, which often resulted in tragic outcomes for wildlife. With calving seasons occurring in June and July, the risks increase dramatically, particularly during the dusk and dawn hours when visibility is low, making it crucial to address these preventable incidents.
Further disturbing details indicate that the insurance industry incurs annual payouts nearing $1.1 billion due to wildlife collisions nationwide, with an average property damage cost exceeding $3,000 per incident. This statistic not only highlights the financial impact on drivers but also the emotional toll and moral responsibility that comes with the loss of wildlife. The current guidelines issued by law enforcement suggest that if avoidance is impossible, hitting the animal is the selected course of action to minimize human injury; however, such advice underscores the urgent need for enhanced preventive measures.
It is critical to demand immediate action to improve road safety for both drivers and wildlife. This includes campaigns for increased awareness, better signage, and enhanced wildlife crossings to mitigate the number of these heart-wrenching collisions. The lives of countless animals hang in the balance, and continuous tragedies must prompt a thorough evaluation and implementation of a strategy that prioritizes the protection of wildlife alongside human safety.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Colonel Packard,
The statistics regarding wildlife-vehicle collisions on I-70 are increasingly alarming and warrant immediate attention. Reports indicate that these collisions were the third most common crash factor in 2024, leading to untold suffering for countless animals and substantial financial burdens for drivers. With the majority of crashes causing property damage exclusively to vehicles—while tragically resulting in wildlife fatalities—it is clear that immediate action is necessary to protect both the animals who call this region home and the drivers who travel its roads.
It has been observed that during the calving season, particularly in June and July, wildlife is more frequently spotted, increasing the potential for collisions. Current guidelines provided by the Colorado State Patrol advise that in instances where avoidance is impossible, the act of hitting an animal is deemed preferable to minimize human injury. This perspective underscores the necessity for more robust preventive strategies, such as improved signage, greater public awareness campaigns, and the establishment of proper wildlife crossings.
In light of these circumstances, we respectfully urge you to implement stronger measures to protect wildlife and actively work towards reducing vehicle collisions on I-70. The continued loss of these animals and the financial, emotional, and physical impacts of such accidents on drivers must compel a proactive approach.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Pixabay
