Save lives Tips

 

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

Know the facts, to reduce the risk

On average, there is a motor vehicle/wild animal collision every 38 minutes

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 per cent occur on two lane roads outside of urban areas.

84 per cent 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.

 

Brake:

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.

If possible, avoid driving during dusk or dawn when most wildlife collisions occur. Swerving to avoid hitting a wild animal may result in a more serious collision. If hitting a wild animal is unavoidable, remember to stay in control