Montana Wildlife and Winter Driving: Deer, Elk, Livestock and Icy Roads

How do you avoid hitting a deer or elk in Montana?

Animals can appear in the road suddenly, and you cannot always predict when or where. Deer, bear, moose, horses, elk and cattle are among the large animals in many animal crashes. Across the U.S., direct hits on animals and swerves to avoid them cause about 200 deaths and 26,000 injuries a year, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) figures in the manual.
Look for animals most of all at sunrise and sunset. Montana warning signs include Deer Crossing and Cattle Crossing. Our free question on a deer that jumps into your lane at dusk lets you test this.

Who has the right-of-way when livestock is on the road?

Always give the right-of-way to an animal that someone leads, rides or drives. This applies to horses, cattle and any other draft animals. Motor vehicles scare animals easily, so how you approach matters.
Vehicles drawn by animals must show the slow-moving vehicle emblem on the rear: a fluorescent or reflective orange triangle. Most farm vehicles and construction equipment show it too. Use caution when you come near a slow-moving vehicle, and pass only when you are sure it is safe.

1. 1
   Slow down

   Be careful and slow down when you get near an animal or a horse-drawn vehicle.

2. 2
   Stop for an animal in your path

   Stop if the animal or vehicle comes toward you or crosses your path, and let the animal pass. Also stop if a rider or driver signals you to stop.

3. 3
   Pass with plenty of room

   If the animal or vehicle goes in your direction, leave plenty of room when you pass, and drive at a reasonable speed. See our free question on passing a horse and rider.

4. 4
   Keep quiet

   Do not honk your horn or make a loud noise.

5. 5
   Stop if the animal looks scared

   If the animal you pass looks scared, pull your vehicle to the side and stop. Go on only when it is safe.

How slow should you drive on snow and ice in Montana?

Slow down at the first sign of rain, snow or sleet, because all three make the road slippery. Montana law says to drive at a reduced speed that is reasonable and prudent for the conditions, with attention to traffic, visibility, weather and the road. In most cases, skids happen because drivers go too fast for conditions. For the limits on dry roads, see our guide to Montana speed limits and fines.

Where is ice most likely on a Montana road?

On cold, wet days, shady spots can be icy, because they freeze first and dry out last. Overpasses and other bridges can have icy spots even when the rest of the pavement is not icy. Ice near the freezing point can become wet, and wet ice is more slippery than ice at temperatures well below freezing. Test yourself with our free question on where ice forms first.

How to get your vehicle ready for winter roads

• Use snow tires or chains when the road has snow on it.
• Look at your tires. Worn or bald tires can increase your stopping distance and make turning harder on a wet road.
• Replace wiper blades that have not been working well.
• Clear snow, ice and frost from all windows, front, sides and back, before you drive.
• Use antifreeze washer fluid where the temperature could fall below freezing.

When do you need headlights in snow, rain or fog?

Headlights are required from a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise. They are also required at any other time when weather or blowing dust cuts your view to less than 500 feet. On rainy, snowy or foggy days, other drivers can find it hard to see your vehicle, and headlights make it easier to see. If you turn on your wipers, turn on your headlights. In a very heavy downpour, you may not see well enough to drive. Then pull off the road in a safe place and wait until the weather clears.

Montana wildlife and winter driving: common questions