Winter driving is a challenge on a normal day, but add wildlife to the mix and the situation can escalate quickly.

Here are some tips on how to avoid wildlife collisions.

1) Watch the signs. Wildlife warning signs are usually yellow and diamond-shaped and will feature an illustration of an animal.

Runaway lane, wildlife warning sign, Sheep Creek Bridge over the Fraser River... LOTS in this photo taken on #BCHwy20 earlier this week. @TranBC_Cariboo

BC Transportation on Twitter

They're designed to warn of potential animals ahead. While you aren't required to slow down, pay close attention.

Warning signs are usually placed in areas of frequent wildlife use or high-risk collision spots.

2) Slow down. Speed is one of the most common collision factors, according to wildlifecollisions.ca. Obeying the speed limit is an easy way to mitigate risk.

3) Plan and drive defensively. Try to predict what you would do if an animal darted toward your car. Being mentally prepared and actively aware of your surroundings can cut down on your reaction time. Make sure you're surveying both sides of the road, especially if you are in wildlife habitat.

Another reason for motorists to be cautious on all Alberta highways. Wildlife-vehicle collisions are a very real risk, one with no winners. https://t.co/QKxt4JxgFA

AlbertaLandInstitute on Twitter

4) Breaking and swerving. Swerving can be dangerous, especially on winter roads. Reduce your speed when you see posted signs. "If a deer is in your way, consider using your brakes, not your wheel," wildlifecollisions.com says.

"If you have to choose between swerving or striking a moose, consider swerving. A collision with a moose, which can weigh up to 500 kgs (1200 lbs), carries a significant risk of injury or death to motorists and passengers. If a crash with a moose is inevitable, crouch as low as possible in your seat, or under the dash, as a moose's body usually ends up crushing the roof of a car completely flat."

Wildlife-vehicle collisions tend to peak this time of year as big game animals are on the move and cross many of Idaho's highways and roads. Here's what you can do to reduce your chances of an animal collision. https://t.co/YuwFYAMAGp

Idaho Fish and Game on Twitter

WHAT IF YOU CAN'T AVOID A CRASH?

• Focus on where you're going, and not the animal. People tend to drive where they look.
• Aim for where the animal has been, not where it is headed.
• Try to hit at an angle and not a head-on collision.
• Ease up on the brakes before making contact. This causes the front end of the car to elevate and reduces the risk of the animal coming through your windshield.

AFTER A COLLISION

• Call for help.
• Do not approach an injured animal. They can be dangerous.
• Turn on hazard lights.
• Warn other drivers if a dead animal is obstructing the road.

Tune in to full episodes of CAPTURED on The Weather Network, Sunday November 24 and Sunday December 1 at 7pm and 10pm ET & PT.

WATCH BELOW: WHAT TO DO WHEN DRIVING NEAR SNOW PLOWS AND MORE WINTER TIPS

Source | Thumbnail image courtesy: Getty Images.