With B.C entering a period of peak wildlife activity, our readers are encouraged to be on alert for animals on highways.
Photo by Janelle Robertson of a deer near Links Golf Course.
Road Safety at Work released a media release on June 19, urging drivers to maintain alertness while traveling highways to prevent wildlife collisions.
“Wildlife collisions often happen with little or no warning and are traumatic for everyone involved,” explains Trace Acres, Program Director for Road Safety at Work, which aims to prevent work-related crashes. “Drivers, their passengers, and animals can be injured or killed by the initial impact.”
A bull elk can exceed 300 kg (700 lbs) in weight, while a bull moose can reach up to 700 kg (1,500 lbs). Colliding with these large animals can result in severe injuries and may cause to drivers lose control of their vehicle, veer off the road, or collide with another vehicle. “You can’t control what wildlife does, but you can take steps to reduce your risk of a collision,” says Acres.
Drivers are advised to:
· Stay vigilant during peak wildlife hours.
· Watch out for animal crossing signs.
· Reduce speed upon spotting an animal by the roadside, as others may be nearby.
· Be mindful of other drivers; flashing headlights could signal awareness of nearby wildlife.
· Plan routes to circumvent high-risk wildlife zones during peak times or opt for safer travel periods.
During this season, the risk of wildlife collisions rises because animals alter their usual patterns due to feeding and reproductive cycles. Deer and moose may shift their travel routes and crossroads more frequently. These collisions occur more frequently during dawn and dusk, typically between 6 to 8 a.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. when animals are highly active, and visibility is reduced. For the many British Columbians who drive as part of their job, wildlife represents just one of several hazards encountered on the road.
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