Self-Preservation Over Wildlife: Decision-Making on the Road

The debate between self-preservation and animal welfare raises complex ethical questions when situations like those described arise. Driving on a two-lane road, for instance, can often mean a harrowing choice between your life and an animal's. In this discussion, we delve into the reasoning and ethical considerations surrounding such decisions.

The Vitality of Self-Preservation

Experiencing a near-fatal situation while driving, such as having to decide between hitting a deer or potentially losing your life, underscores the profound biological imperative to prioritize one's own survival. This instinct, deeply rooted in evolutionary biology, ensures the continuation of one’s genetic lineage. Consequently, those who opt for self-preservation are more likely to pass on their gene pool, while those who self-sacrifice might diminish their genetic representation over time.

One example recounted involves hitting a deer while driving. Though such incidents can carry significant emotional and ethical weight, the fundamental biological drive to survive tends to override these concerns. In this context, hitting the deer might seem like a morally repulsive act to many, but from an evolutionary standpoint, the imperative of self-preservation is paramount.

Driving Safety and Precautions

When navigating a two-lane highway, adherence to traffic rules and safe practices is crucial. Positioning your vehicle to the right side of your lane is advisable to avoid head-on collisions with large vehicles such as tractors or trailers. Moreover, if an oncoming vehicle with its lights on is approaching, moving to the rightmost part of the lane can help ensure that the driver sees you. This precautionary measure is essential for maintaining road safety.

Safety education is also paramount. In the 1980s, when the author was taught to drive, the emphasis on prioritizing human safety over animal life was explicitly stressed. Learning to avoid swerving out of your lane to hit an animal is a foundational lesson in responsible driving. While hitting an animal can be traumatic, the risks associated with swerving, including loss of control and increased risk of injury, are often higher and more significant.

Impact of Decision-Making

The decision to hit or avoid an animal often hinges on rapid and instinctive actions. In the heat of the moment, self-preservation mechanisms dominate, making it more likely that a driver will opt to swerve or hit an animal. For instance, in situations where the choice is between hitting a squirrel and a tree, the squirrel is typically the easier target. Similarly, in cases where humans and trees are involved, the tree becomes the preferred sacrifice due to the inherent dangers associated with swerving.

Another example involves an incident where the author’s father was driving him home from a medical procedure after a minor surgery. Observing a beaver crossing the road, the father opted to hit it to avoid pain for his son. This decision aligns with the principle of prioritizing human safety over animal welfare, even in non-life-threatening scenarios.

Ultimately, self-preservation is a robust evolutionary strategy that ensures the survival of the species. In driving situations, this instinct can sometimes lead to difficult choices, but it helps protect drivers from the often greater risks associated with evasive maneuvers.

In conclusion, while the moral implications of hitting animals on the road are undoubtedly complex, the biological imperative of self-preservation often guides our actions. Understanding and respecting this principle is crucial for safe and responsible driving practices.