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.

Watch Out for the Wildlife!

Two weeks ago, my Yellowstone Country Safety tip was “Drive cautiously through the forest. Wildlife can quickly emerge from the trees to cross the highway. A moose hit by a vehicle can crash through the windshield and end up in your lap!”

The same day the paper was distributed containing that tip, a Nissan Rogue compact SUV hit a moose on Hwy 20 at Chick Creek. Four foreign tourists were southbound when a bull moose crossed the highway in front of them. The brakes were not applied as they struck the moose at approximately 65 miles per hour. Part of the moose entered the vehicle through the windshield, striking all occupants. The vehicle continued for about 200 yards sheering off trees, before coming to rest in an aspen grove. All four occupants were hospitalized and the vehicle was totaled.

Driving through the forest requires caution. Large game animals are designed by nature to blend into the trees. The dark brown moose disappears in the timber and cannot be seen until it has emerged. At 65 miles per hour, there may not be enough time to avoid the collision. Dusk through dark is the most difficult time to spot an animal but daylight will not guarantee your safety if the animal makes a dash for the other side of the road.

Those who are vacationing or passing through Island Park should be vigilant. 

Highway 20 bisects a forest with a healthy population of large wildlife. Drive cautiously through the trees and slow down. Dropping your speed by 10 mph will increase your ability to avoid animals and help you arrive at your destination safely.