We’ve been following several social media pages and posts by 705 residents cautioning everyone about moose near roads and highways.
As much as we all love spotting these incredible creatures, moose can be a hazard on our roads. Earlier this month, two people suffered minor injuries when a vehicle and a moose collided on Highway 11 in Cochrane. Sadly, the moose was killed.
In March, according to Dryden OPP, a driver swerved to avoid a collision with a moose and lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle left the road and veered into the bush. Thankfully no one was injured.
According to Ontario Nature, it’s estimated that wildlife-vehicle collisions occur roughly every 38 minutes in Canada. Each year in Ontario, 14,000 wildlife collisions are reported for large animals, which account for approximately 10% of all vehicle accidents in the province. Two-lane roads account for 89% of wildlife collisions. While accidents are reported year-round, most occur between May and October. The three most critical months are June, July, and August.
A fully matured moose can weigh as much as 1,000 pounds. This will do damage to your car, yourself, and possibly to others. Moose have legs that are approximately 4 feet tall. This, combined with their large bodies, can make moose contact with a car or truck different than a smaller animal. The vehicle will strike the moose in the legs, sending the body into the windshield. Very seldom is this a fatal hit to the moose, and it will thrash around trying to get free.
The North Bay Police Service and the Ontario Provincial Police are asking drivers to be alert to moose and to drive accordingly in areas where the potential for moose to cross roadways exists. Care and attention when driving is your best defense against a moose-vehicle accident.
Some important things to remember:
A road sign like “Caution, moose next 11 kilometers” means moose cross the road you are on, frequently. Moose crossing signs are not placed at random, they indicate high risk areas.
The likelihood of injury is twice as high between dusk and dawn than during daytime.
The risk of injury is higher for vehicles traveling at highway speeds so please keep to speed limits.
Be cautious in areas with reduced visibility, such as hills, turns in the road or sides of the road where vegetation is dense.
Having passengers in the vehicle doubles the risk of injury due to driver inattentiveness. Have passengers watch for moose too.
Seat belts are mandatory. Keep your seat belt buckled at all times. Vehicle occupants who do not wear seat belts are 8 times more likely to be seriously injured or killed in a moose-vehicle collision.
No one wants to hit a moose intentionally but often it is better to hit the animal than to try desperately to avoid it. Many people who are hurt or killed in this situation have made the mistake of veering out of their lane and hitting another vehicle or fixed obstacle.
If you are going to collide with a moose you can at least try to avoid serious injury by remembering the following:
Stay on the road and maintain a strong grip on the steering wheel
Use your horn, it may scare the moose away
Brake sharply, or if you have time, pump your brakes, or put on your emergency flashers to warn the vehicle behind you of the imminent danger
Stop your vehicle slowly and in a controlled manner
Deer are also a case for concern for motorists. If you missed our interview with Constable Kevin Martin of South Bruce OPP, be sure to check out our video!
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