…And What Drivers Can Do to Prevent Unnecessary Deaths
Every spring and fall, I see it.
Another squirrel on the road…and another…and another
People often say, “They’re just erratic.”
“They don’t know what they’re doing.”
But the truth is more complex — and more preventable than most people realize.
Why Squirrels Seem “Confused” in Traffic
Squirrels don’t understand cars.
Their survival instinct evolved to avoid predators — hawks, foxes, dogs.
When faced with danger, their instinct is to:
Zigzag
Freeze
Change direction suddenly
That behavior works against a predator.
It does not work against a 3,000-pound vehicle.
When a squirrel runs toward a car, it’s not being foolish.
It’s following an instinct that once kept it alive.
Speed Is the Difference
Most neighborhood squirrel deaths happen because drivers are:
Going too fast for residential areas
Distracted
Not scanning ahead
In neighborhoods with mature trees, squirrels live everywhere — on both sides of the street.
If you see one near the road, assume it may cross.
Simply easing off the gas gives you precious seconds to react.
The Distracted Driving Problem
Distracted driving dramatically reduces reaction time.
Looking at a phone for just 5 seconds at 35 mph means traveling the length of a football field without fully watching the road.
That’s not just dangerous for wildlife.
It’s dangerous for:
-Children
-Pets
-Cyclists
-Neighbors
In many states, using a handheld phone while driving is illegal.
But beyond the law — it’s about responsibility.
Slowing Down Saves More Than Squirrels
When drivers slow down in residential areas:
-Wildlife deaths decrease
-Pets are safer
-Children are safer
-Communities feel calmer
It’s not about perfection.
It’s about awareness.
A Simple Shift in Mindset
Instead of thinking:
“They’ll move.”
Try thinking:
“They depend on me to notice them.”
That one shift changes everything.
We Share the Space
Squirrels were here long before roads.
Neighborhoods built around trees will always have wildlife.
Driving carefully is not just courteous.
It’s stewardship.
And stewardship begins with paying attention.