Wildlife-Vehicle Collision Prevention Senate Proposal Moves Forward, Aimed at Saving Lives

SACRAMENTO, CA — California State Senator Dave Cortese (D-San Jose), acting as Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, introduced Senate Bill 1250 (SB 1250) which will help prevent wildlife-vehicle collisions on California’s highways and roadways by formally incorporating wildlife crossing infrastructure projects into the state’s transportation asset management framework, accelerating implementation of projects that improve traffic safety, habitat connectivity, and climate resilience. SB 1250 was recently approved by the Senate Transportation Committee.

Researchers indicate that there are more than 7,000 reported wildlife-vehicle collisions each year on California’s highways and roadways. This includes deer and other large animals – causing significant costs and safety risks for drivers. 

“Every year, wildlife–vehicle collisions put Californians at risk on our highways, causing injuries, costly damage, and preventable deaths. SB 1250 treats wildlife crossings as essential safety infrastructure so Caltrans can fix dangerous collision hotspots as part of routine highway projects. By integrating wildlife connectivity into the state’s Transportation Asset Management Plan, this bill helps reduce crashes, protect drivers, and make our highways safer for everyone,” said Senator Dave Cortese. 

“The Nature Conservancy (TNC) applauds Senator Cortese’s leadership authoring SB 1250 to improve coordination and planning for wildlife connectivity. As the effects of climate change worsen, animals and plants will need to travel farther to find the conditions they need to survive. That’s why addressing habitat fragmentation is so urgent,” said Michael Jarred, Associate Director at The Nature Conservancy. “SB 1250 does that by turning decades of science into clear connectivity performance objectives and targets built into the state’s transportation asset management system. SB 1250 aligns our transportation investments with the state’s climate and biodiversity goals, which is why TNC is proud to sponsor SB 1250.” 

"Here in Santa Clara County, Coyote Valley is a vivid example of why wildlife connectivity planning is so important. Coyote Valley is a crucial wildlife corridor, but roads and highways cut right through it and make it hard for animals to move safely. If we make wildlife connectivity part of California's transportation planning, we can build and maintain crossings as part of the roadwork we’re already doing. That means fewer wildlife-vehicle collisions, better protection for animals, and smarter investments that benefit both people and nature,” said Alice Kaufman, Policy and Advocacy Director for Green Foothills.

Senator Dave Cortese represents Senate District 15, which encompasses San Jose and much of Santa Clara County in the heart of Silicon Valley. Visit Senator Cortese’s website: https://sd15.senate.ca.gov

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