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Stay Alert Behind the Wheel

The OPP are urging motorists to take extra care when travelling on Northern Ontario highways in light of recent accidents between wildlife and motorists.
The OPP are urging motorists to take extra care when travelling on Northern Ontario highways in light of recent accidents between wildlife and motorists.

There were 1,225 collisions on North Eastern highways in 2005, in order to reduce the possibilities of the collisions the OPP suggest motorists monitor their speed, scan the highway ahead as far as possible, and pay special attention to the fence lines - particularly at dusk and dawn.

Full details contained in the release below.

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Often difficult to spot, and even harder to avoid, animals on the roadway create a serious driving hazard. If you drive in Northern Ontario, the possibility of meeting nature’s wildlife is present at every turn.

In the North East Region in 2005, there were 1,225 collisions involving wildlife on the roadway (deer, moose and bear). Two people were killed in collisions involving moose (Temagami, Wawa).

The OPP urge motorists to monitor their speed, particularly at night and avoid over driving the illumination of headlights. Scan the highway ahead as far as possible, with special attention to the fence lines - particularly at dusk and dawn. Roadside signs alert drivers to regular crossing areas but animals can venture from their regular trails and bound out onto the highways unexpectedly. If you see an animal, slow down and be prepared to stop - deer are fast moving and can jump into your path quickly. Although moose appear to be slow, their long stride has them covering great distances in a short period of time. Bears too, can move quickly and bolt into your path. It’s up to motorists to avoid the four-footed hazard.

“Motorists need to slow down, and pay attention to what’s ahead on the road to increase their safety odds, explains Inspector Mark Andrews, Unit Commander – North East Region Traffic & Marine. If you drive in Northern Ontario, the possibility of meeting nature’s wildlife is present at every turn. Remember that animals are difficult to spot, and even harder to avoid. Colliding with a moose is like hitting a car.”

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