Speed Limits Reduced on Utah Interstates Due to Elk Crossing, Collisions

The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) is reducing speed limits on interstates due to “numerous” collisions involving elk.

Utah DOT announced that speed limits will be temporarily lowered to 60 m.p.h. on I-80 and I-84 near the Echo Junction in Summit County due to elk crashes on February 9th. Up to 35 elk have been hit by vehicles in the area in a week, as reported by KSLTV.

Tips to Help Drivers Avoid Elk

Signage will also be added by Utah DOT to warn drivers about the elk. Officials offered the following tips to help drivers avoid elk strikes:

• Slow down, especially whenever visibility is reduced. Wildlife is most active around dusk and dawn.
• Be alert! Scan both sides of the road for wildlife.
• Know the wildlife “hot spots” or local places where deer and elk often cross the road and watch for wildlife crossing signs.
• Use high beams as much as possible at night, especially in deer-active areas.
• Watch for the reflection from animals’ eyes and for silhouettes on the shoulder of the road. If anything looks slightly suspicious, slow down.
• If you see one, there are more nearby. Deer and elk travel in herds.

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