Why is roadkill always found on the shoulder of the road if cars hit the animals on the road itself?

Question

Why is roadkill always found on the shoulder of the road if cars hit the animals on the road itself?

Answer 1

Aw, if the animal is big, then the motorist has to move it to the side of the road otherwise its a danger to other traffic

Answer 2

Most likely it's either flung to the side of the road by the impact or another car goes over it and it's tossed to the side.

Answer 3

When someone hits an animal, sometimes the person takes it to the shoulder so it doesn't get squished.

Answer 4

Because sometimes the extent of their injuries allow them to crawl over to the side of the road.

Answer 5

It's not always on the shoulder. I've seen raccoons and rabbits planted right in the middle of the road. Depends on how they get hit. If the animal is small and gets hit by the bumper or undercarriage it often gets flung off the road. If it's a large truck or semi and they run over it, it just gets ground down into the asphalt. Deer often explode if hit squarely by a semi. Drive down the interstate and look for the big red splatter on the road. Bet it ain't paint.

Answer 6

I actually researched this earlier in the year. It is in an animals natural reflex to crawl (or in this case, limp) to the side of the road so they won't be run over again. Many animals actually end up surviving because of this, and it's been the subject of the way many scientists measure the intelligence and awareness of certain animals such as raccoons, possums, cats, dogs, etc.

Hope this helped!