Wildlife Tips

 

Collisions with wild animals can result in serious vehicle damage, personal injury or even death.

Know the facts to reduce the risks.

• One out of every 18 motor vehicle collisions involves a wild animal.

• Motor vehicle/wild animal collisions are increasing annually. In 2003, 13729 collisions were reported. Many more go unreported.

• 90 percent occur on two lane roads outside of urban areas.

• 84 percent occur in good weather.

• Wild animals are unpredictable at all times.

• However, there are two peak times when the risk of a collision is highest: May and June when animals seek road salt in ditches and try to mating and migration seasons.

Some areas of Ontario have a higher proportion of reported wildlife collisions than other areas. For example:

Ottawa 939

Simcoe County 597

Lanark County 587

Thunder Bay 535

Middlesex County 516

Reduce your Collision Risk

• Watch - Scan the road ahead from shoulder to shoulder. When you see wildlife beside the road, slow down and pass carefully as they may suddenly bolt onto the road.

• Watch for the yellow wildlife warning signs that indicate an area of increased risk. Slow down when traveling through these areas.

• Use high beams at night where possible and watch for glowing eyes of animals.

• Steer - Stay in control. Watch your speed and take extra precautions when driving at night as visibility is greatly reduced. Slowing down will give you that extra second to respond.

• Never swerve suddenly. This could cause your vehicle to go out of control or head into oncoming traffic.

• Braking - Threshold brake is highly recommended when an animal is standing on, or crossing the road. Never assume the animal will move out of your way.

• Stop - Stop as safely as possible if a wild animal is crossing the road, Remember, if one animal crosses the road, others may follow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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