What is a road kill? Simply, it is defined as an animal killed by a vehicle on a road. It refers to the dead body of an animal that has been struck by a car or any other motor vehicle.

Sadly, although there are specific statistics on vehicle accidents and human deaths on the road, “roadkill” statistics for animals are not readily available.

What animals are affected? This can include a wide range of animals, from reptiles and amphibians, to dogs, cats and birds.

The ecological impact is that roadkill can harm animal populations, especially for species that live near or have to cross roads for breeding or feeding.

Thus, the need for defensive driving techniques, such as driving slowly at night, honking your horn at animals who look as if they are about to enter the roadway, or flashing your high beams at animals to break the sometimes hypnotic effect of the glare of the headlights, can help.

Many people swear by “deer alarms,” small whistles inaudible to human ears that you attach to the front bumper of your car.

A good habit is to carry an animal rescue kit in your car for stray or injured animals. It should include dog biscuits and cat food (to lure reluctant animals); a long rope or leash that can be looped into a collar to capture dogs and cats; a bandage for a muzzle (an injured dog may snap or bite); a collapsible cardboard cat carrier (for cats, squirrels, turtles and other small animals); a blanket or towel; a brown paper bag and clothespin to keep it shut (for carrying injured birds) and a list of emergency phone numbers of veterinarians, humane societies, animal shelters and wildlife rehabilitators.

If you come upon an animal that has been killed by a car, or if you bump one, you can either move the animal out of the roadway yourself, or report the incident to the local animal control department.

But, preventing road kill is important. Driving with eyes always on the road ahead is a must — as well as awareness of animal safety.