Thursday, June 03, 2004

WATCHOUT FOR WILDLIFE ON OUR HIGHWAYS

(North Bay)
Recent serious motor vehicle/wildlife collisions highlight the need for motorists to be more aware of what’s around them when traveling area highways at this time of the year. The Ontario Provincial Police, Ministry of Natural Resources and Ministry of Transportation advise motorists to Stay Alert and Stay Alive with wildlife on the move.

As summer approaches, many animals look for open areas, especially roadways, to escape biting insects. In early spring moose and deer are attracted to ditches for road salt deposits. They also browse for new shoots that will grow there.

If you see a deer on or near the road, there’s a good chance more are close by, as they tend to travel in groups. Moose can weigh up 700 Kg (approximately1700 pounds), and in a collision can cause extensive damage, serious injury and/or fatalities. People should be especially careful driving at dawn or dusk, when wildlife is most active.

Here are some valuable driving tips to help you avoid wildlife collisions:

•Use high beams when possible;
•Scan the road continuously from shoulder to shoulder;
•At night, watch for flashes of the small “glowing” eyes of animals;
•Wildlife crossing signs identify areas of increased risk;
•Always slow down when passing wildlife - they may abruptly turn into your path;
•Keep braking after an animal has crossed - it may be with a group, or with young;
•Never attempt extreme maneuvers to avoid a collision;
•Don’t assume the animal will move out of your way - many animals freeze when in a vehicle’s headlights;
•Check your Speed!

Safety on our roadways is a concern for us all. Please Stay Alert to avoid wildlife collisions and Stay Alive.