U.S. Highway 50 through Nevada has been promoted as the Loneliest Highway in America. But we wonder if state Highway 51 through Idaho might give U.S. 50 some serious competition. It’s one very lonely highway, stretching from the Nevada border to the south to tiny Bruneau (population 500+) near the very north. We’re pretty sure a lot more cattle than humans live along this rural route through mostly farm country.
And therein lies a problem — cow carnage. Even though there are many warning signs along the way that flash when livestock is near the road, in the last month alone four cows were stuck and killed by motorists.
The result, of course, is road kill on a beefy scale. Black cows are especially vulnerable to being struck because they are harder to see at night.
Wilmer Biggs, a transportation technician with the Bruneau maintenance crew, says the highway serves mainly local traffic. “I have come out the next morning after a cow was hit, and the baby is still standing by its dead mom,” he said. “It’s tragic and can be avoided by slowing down and realizing this is an open range area. Drivers need to plan for cattle to be on this highway.”
And so, as a public service, here are a few tips for RVtravel.com readers who prefer driving lonely roads — including through through open ranges — rather than along speedy interstates.
• Reduce speed at night: Visibility is limited, and black cows especially can blend into the darkness.
• Stay alert: Look for reflective eyes or movement near the road.
• Plan ahead: Assume cattle may be present, especially in known open range areas.
Open range cattle can be found not only along Highway 51 but year-round on other Idaho highways. Idaho is an open range state, meaning cattle and other livestock have the right of way. If livestock is hit on an open range, the owner of the animal is not liable for damages to the driver or the vehicle.
Drivers may be liable for injuries or death of the animal if found to have been negligent. And, frankly, no motorist wants to hit a half ton of beef and then deal with the damage. Ouch!
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If memory serves, I think ND is also an open range state. Also, be especially alert for deer as their color blends into fall colors and they are very fast at crossing the road in front of you; they are also blinded by the lights and may broadside you.