Beware: Animal X-ing

This time of year brings an increase in animal activity and drivers are reminded to watch carefully for moose, elk, deer or any other animals in ditches, darting across the road and walking along the highway. Alberta has lots of wildlife and many are active now and during the winter months. In fact, statistics show that in 2010 there were six fatal and 403 injury collisions involving wildlife.

 

According to a recent study by Transport Canada, there are four to eight vehicle collisions involving large animals every hour in Canada.

Here are some tips to help prevent crashes with wildlife:

• Look well ahead, read road warning signs and use more caution where animal crossing signs are posted.
• Scan ditches for wildlife.
• In areas known to be populated by wildlife, increase following distance between vehicles.
• Drive to conditions and reduce your speed prior to turning a curve.
• Reduce your speed when reaching the crest of a hill or in wildlife-populated areas.
• Be well rested prior to trips and always wear your seatbelt.
• Use extra caution during the morning and evening hours when wildlife is most active.
• When you see one animal slow down, and since deer often travel in small herds, be mindful that one deer will usually be followed by others.
• Leave plenty of room when driving by an animal on or near a road – a frightened animal is unpredictable and may run in any direction.
• Watch for animals in both rural and urban areas. Don’t assume there is no risk because most of your driving is within city or town limits.
• By keeping the vehicle's windshield clean inside as well as outside and scanning ahead, you give yourself time to react and make decisions in advance (never assume an animal will move out of the way).