Yellowstone Country Safety * Avoid Hitting Spring Animals *

With the disappearance of the snow comes the increase in large animals migrating across the roadways. Slow down and drive cautiously. Animal/vehicle collisions can be deadly for a vehicle’s occupants, as well as the animal.

Yellowstone Country Safety * Wet Spring Snow *

The daytime temperatures have risen and the snow is soft and heavy. Keep your vehicles on plowed roads or memorize Joe’s phone number (208-351-6471) because “you won’t get out of the snow without a tow”. (I rhymed!) 

Yellowstone Country Safety * Beware of High Snow Berms *

The snow berms are getting high with the additional snow accumulation. Be cautious when approaching intersections with side streets, trails and driveways! Don’t let this great winter turn into your worst. 

Driving in the Caldera

Summer driving in the Island Park Caldera presents its special set of challenges. The road construction at both ends of Highway 20 greets visitors to the area. Compressed lanes and traffic delays require caution and patience.

Highway 20 is a three lane road, two lanes in one direction and one in the reverse. The center lane’s assigned direction alternates depending on terrain. With the heavy summer traffic, impatient drivers use the center lane as a passing lane, even if it is designated for traffic traveling in the opposite direction and it is a no passing zone. Travel in the right lane as much as possible. Two vehicles driving at speeds of 65 mph at each other leave no time to react if you are taken by surprise.

The wildlife presents an additional danger to the motorist. When they make a dash across the highway pursuing their natural migration paths, there may be little chance to avoid a collision at posted speeds. Reduce your speed as you pass though the more heavily forested areas of the caldera. A collision with a big moose, deer or elk at highway speeds will total your car and may hospitalize you as well. The reduced visibility of night makes the animals more difficult to see and makes them feel more secure while crossing the roadways. This makes dusk and dark the most dangerous time for animal/vehicle collisions.

If all these hazards weren’t enough, there are the ATVs that cross the roadways and parking lots in Island Park. Running the gauntlet of recreational cross traffic requires extreme attention, especially in the commercial areas. ATV riders’ enthusiasm to get to or from their trail ride interferes with their survival instincts. The speed limit of 45 mph is enforced by local law enforcement in these areas.

Using caution and patience while driving in the Island Park Caldera will help you have a safe and enjoyable visit.

Yellowstone Country Safety * ATV and Vehicle Safety

Please drive your car/truck cautiously on Island Park’s roads. ATV operators may be inexperienced and unpredictable. And to ATV drivers, you will find yourself holding the short end of the stick if you are involved in a collision with a car or truck.

Yellowstone Country Safety * Snowmobile Safety *

There are a lot of trucks and snowmobiles in Island Park this time of year. While you are visiting, try not to hit each other!