Seeing wildlife on your trip is always a thrill. Sometimes it can be more thrilling than you would like.
It is only a few weeks into the season and already we've had one party hit a deer on their drive to Ignace. Today a party had a close call with a calf and mother moose.
Moose, Deer and Bear often attempt to share the road ways with vehicles in our area. Even though most accidents with animals occur between 5 - 8 am and 6 pm to midnight, hitting a large animal on the road will ruin your trip at anytime of day. Here are some tips to help you avoid an accident with an animal.
- Use high beams when possible
- Be sure your windshield is clean and your lights are working
- Scan the road continuously from shoulder to shoulder
- Be aware that in most animal/vehicle accidents the animal was “just barely” on the paved portion of the road
- At night, watch for flashes of the small glowing eyes of animals
- Wildlife crossing signs do actually indicate areas of increased risk
- Always slow down when passing wildlife – they may suddenly turn or dart into your path
- Remain alert after passing an animal, it may be with others or its young
- Never attempt extreme manoeuvres to avoid a collision.
It may not seem logical but don't swerve to avoid an animal. It is often better to clip the animal than to loose control of your vehicle and end up head on in the other lane or rolled over in the ditch.
- Don’t assume the animal will move out of your way
- Watch your speed, KPH and MPH are different!
- Moose, Bear and Deer are large enough to activate your airbags when you hit them. Keep this in mind as you sip from a bottle or cup in the front seat.
- You don’t often hit the animals you see.
- If you hit a bear, do not stop to see if he is alright. A wounded bear is not an animal you would want to visit with for any length of time.
- If you come across a fox, rabbit, bird, or other small animal on the roadway, don't leave your lane. See the note above about swerving.
