07/20/2026
Living in the White Mountains means sharing the road with wildlife. 🦌
Deer and elk collisions are one of the most common causes of vehicle damage in our area, and they can happen fast. A full-grown elk can weigh over 700 pounds, and hitting one at highway speeds isn't just a fender bender, it's a serious safety event.
A few tips to stay safer on our roads:
✅ Slow down at dawn and dusk. That's when deer and elk are most active.
✅ Watch the shoulders. If you see one animal, assume more are close by. They travel in groups.
✅ Use your high beams when possible. It gives you more reaction time to spot eyes on the roadside.
✅ Don't swerve. It sounds counterintuitive, but swerving to avoid an animal often leads to worse outcomes: rollovers, head-on collisions, or leaving the road. Brake hard, stay in your lane, and stay in control.
✅ Buckle up. Every time. It matters more than you think in a wildlife collision.
If the worst happens, pull over safely, turn on your hazards, call the authorities, and document the damage for your insurance company. Then give us a call. We handle wildlife collision repairs regularly and know exactly what to look for, from obvious body damage to hidden frame and radiator issues.
24-hour towing available across Northeastern Arizona. We're here when you need us.
📍 2701 Porter Mountain Rd., Lakeside, AZ 85929
📞 1.928.368.2288
🌐 heckscollision.com
