Speed Watch Campaign Launched for Tyner and University Way
By 250 News
Monday, November 09, 2009 10:16 AM
Prince George, B.C.- Keep your eyes open and your foot off the gas pedal if you are driving along University Way or Tyner Boulevard in Prince George.
A group of concerned Prince George citizens has decided to try something new to get drivers to slow down and watch for wildlife on the roads near UNBC. A volunteer-manned Speed Watch Board will be in operation at various locations along University Boulevard and Tyner Way over the next few weeks. This board displays the posted speed and the speed of a vehicle as it approaches the sign. The concerned group hopes drivers will respond by adhering to posted speed limits along University Way and Tyner Blvd.
This action was prompted by the deaths of three moose during a one week period in mid-October along University Way and Tyner. Roy Rea, a moose researcher from UNBC says, “between 5-10 moose are killed on this stretch each year, and with each moose collision, the risk of significant human injury or death increases.” One Prince George area resident has already been killed in a collision with a moose that occurred east of the city along Highway 16.
Many volunteers and organizations are involved in getting this initiative on the road. Rotarian Harold Hartshorne and his team of volunteers, Kathi Travers, Speed Watch Program volunteers, Prince George Community Policing, ICBC, UNBC, the Wildlife Collision Prevention Program, and the RCMP have all cooperated to make this initiative work.
A collision with wildlife can happen at any place and at any time, but on the roads around Prince George, November, December and January are the highest risk months. The critical time to watch for moose on the roads is between 4:00 and 8:00 pm. If you see an animal on or near the road, slow down immediately, and to alert other drivers, drive with your flashing lights on for about 500 metres.
Some tips for avoiding WCPP “Hints for the Highway” while driving this winter are:
Ø Slow Down and Obey all Posted Signs – collision avoidance and driver response time are improved at lower speeds.
Ø Drive Defensively – actively watch for wildlife in the ditch, on the road shoulder, and in the right of way, particularly between 4:00 and 8:00 pm.
Ø Be Alert – animals are unpredictable, travel in groups or cow/calf pairs, and may bolt unexpectedly.
Ø Use Your Vehicle – clean your headlights, use your high beams when safe, and wear your seatbelt.
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