Columbia, South CarolinaIf you’ve recently driven through South Carolina, you’ve probably noticed a concerning trend: a rise in roadkill strewn over suburban streets, rural roads, and highways. Dead animals, ranging from possums to deer and even livestock, are regrettably becoming a familiar sight on the daily commute, and locals are increasingly voicing worries about urban growth and public safety.
Roadkill Lingers for Days: It s Disgusting, Say Drivers
For regular commuters like Erin Brevardsay, the mess is not just disagreeable but also potentially harmful and sickening.
It is repulsive. She remarked, “I get carsick from it.” I wonder who I should call to have [roadkill] removed when I see it sitting there for days on my usual route.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol reports that, especially during the warmer months, deer collisions are more common in the early morning and late evening hours. In rural areas, livestock wandering onto highways is also prevalent, according to Master Trooper William Bennett.
Urban Development Disrupting Wildlife Habitats
Jamie Steele Sprankle, Director of Operations at the Carolina Wildlife Center, claims that the rise in animal-vehicle collisions isn’t purely coincidental and is directly related to urban expansion.
According to Sprankle, portions along I-20 that were once tree-lined have been bulldozed for building. That was home to animals. They are compelled to relocate and cross roadways more frequently when it vanishes.
The clinic has treated more than 200 injured animals this year after they were hit by cars.
Hotspots and Hazards Across the State
Among the most commonly reported sites for sightings of roadkill are:
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Corley Mill Road
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U.S. Route 378
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Highway 77
Chris Stroudad, a local driver, acknowledged that he occasionally swerves to avoid colliding with dead animals, but cautions that doing so may cause near-misses in nearby lanes.
He said, “I’ll swerve to avoid roadkill if I see it.” But I might wind up in someone else’s lane because of that.
Others, such as Brevard, related firsthand accounts of striking animals in spite of their best attempts.
It could not be avoided. I would have had to collide with another vehicle. I immediately had my car washed after running it over.
What to Do If You Encounter Roadkill
Authorities advise motorists to:
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Stay calm
and avoid sudden swerves -
Never exit your vehicle
to move an animal -
Report roadkill
to local law enforcement or animal control, especially if it s large or causing a traffic hazard
Although there is frequently misunderstanding regarding jurisdiction, particularly on private or rural roads, roadkill removal is normally the duty of the county or state transportation authorities.
Visit SCDOT or the website of your local sheriff’s office for more details or to report a sighting.
In your neighborhood, have you seen more roadkill than normal? As we continue to report on the effects of expansion in South Carolina, send the Saluda Standard-Sentinel pictures any safety concerns.
