Stay Safe on the Road: Your Guide to Preventing Wildlife Collisions

Driving on Canadian roads often brings us closer to nature, but that also means an increased risk of encountering wildlife, sometimes with devastating consequences. Collisions with animals are more common than you might think, leading to serious injuries, fatalities, and significant vehicle damage.

Understanding when and where these encounters are most likely, and what proactive steps you can take, is crucial for your safety and the well-being of our animal neighbours.

The risk of hitting an animal isn't constant; it fluctuates with the seasons and time of day. Spring and fall are peak seasons for wildlife activity.

Spring sees animals on the move for mating, foraging, and establishing territories, while fall brings increased deer activity during their rut, and many animals are busy preparing for winter. Furthermore, dawn and dusk are particularly hazardous times. Animals are often most active during these transitional periods, and reduced visibility makes them harder to spot.

While smaller animals like raccoons and squirrels can cause damage, larger animals such as deer, moose, and bears pose the gravest threat.

A collision with a deer can be serious, but hitting a moose, which can weigh over 1,500 pounds and stand taller than most cars, can be catastrophic, often resulting in the animal coming through the windshield. Being aware of areas known for high wildlife populations, often marked by warning signs, is your first line of defense.

So, what can you do to reduce your risk? The most effective strategy is simple: slow down. Adhering to speed limits, especially in rural areas or near forests, gives you more time to react.

Maintain a keen eye on both sides of the road, scanning for movement. Animals can dart out unexpectedly, so continuous scanning, not just focusing directly ahead, is vital. Using your high beams when safe and legal can significantly improve your visibility, allowing you to spot animals further away.

However, remember to dim them for oncoming traffic.

If you spot an animal, flash your headlights and honk your horn to try and scare it away. Be cautious, though; some animals may freeze or move erratically. If a collision is imminent, particularly with a large animal like a moose, the general advice is to brake firmly and try to stay in your lane rather than swerve.

Swerving can lead to losing control, hitting oncoming traffic, or colliding with a fixed object, often resulting in worse outcomes than a direct impact.

Should the unfortunate happen and you hit an animal, your safety and the safety of your passengers are paramount. Pull over to a safe location, turn on your hazard lights, and check for injuries.

Do not approach an injured animal; they can be unpredictable and dangerous. Contact local police or animal control immediately. They will be able to handle the situation safely. Document the incident with photos and contact your insurance provider as soon as possible for damage claims.

By adopting these proactive measures and remaining vigilant, you significantly enhance your safety and contribute to reducing the tragic toll of wildlife-vehicle collisions.

Drive smart, drive safe, and share the road responsibly.