Tips To Start A Towing Business

Sometimes you might see the creature in question, allowing you to take evasive action to prevent a collision, which is not always successful. Sometimes you might not see the animal at all, and the only sign of a collision is a frightening thud against the front of your vehicle. Hitting an animal with your car can be a traumatic experience for you, and it can result in critical injuries for the animal, if not death. Would you know the best way to proceed if you were to hit an animal while out driving?

Securing the Scene

You want to avoid further injury to the animal, while still keeping the roadway clear to prevent other motorists from having an accident. Quickly get out of your car, and check the animal's location. This allows you to safely maneuver your vehicle off the road and out of harm's way so that you can attend to the animal. If the impact was severe enough to render your vehicle unusable, activate your hazard lights.

Attending to the Animal

Prompt action can help to save the animal's life, but you must also consider the possibility that they might have died in the collision. Be cautious when inspecting the animal. A distressed animal can be dangerous, lashing out while you're trying to help them. Even an unconscious (or seemingly deceased) animal can suddenly awaken and injure you. You will need assistance, so look up the contact details for the nearest emergency vet or animal welfare organisation. You could also contact the nearest police station if there is no other option. Tell them the nature and location of the accident, the type of animal involved, and the severity of its injuries (as far as you can determine). They will advise you on the best course of action, whether it's transporting the animal in your car for medical assistance, or waiting with the animal until help can be dispatched. If you are advised to pick up the animal, try to cover them with a blanket (or a jacket), both for the creature's comfort and to prevent them from injuring you.

Your Vehicle

Of course, you might not be able to move the animal in your car if your car has been severely damaged, so be sure to mention this when calling for assistance. With smaller wild animals and domestic pets, any damage to your vehicle will be largely cosmetic. If you have collided with a larger wild animal (such as a kangaroo) or escaped livestock, then the damage to your vehicle can be significant. Your vehicle might no longer be functional, or if still operational, might no longer be classified as roadworthy. In this instance, you will need to arrange emergency towing, but of course, you will need to wait until the animal's needs have been attended to before leaving the scene of the accident.

As the ABC pointed out, most vets and animal hospitals will not charge you for any care a wild animal might require after being hit by a car, and your insurance should cover any damage to your vehicle. The important thing is to make sure the animal receives the urgent care it needs before worrying about your vehicle.