Moose collisions begin to rise in October and they peak in December and January. They occur most often between 5:00 - 6:00 pm.

"Moose collisions are a significant cause of human injury or death," says UNBC moose researcher Roy Rea. "Moose are so tall that in a collision with most passenger vehicles the animal is knocked off its legs and can fall directly onto the windshield or roof of the vehicle."

Wildlife collisions cause significant personal and environmental losses in BC. RCMP statistics show on average six people are killed every year while ICBC figures indicate that over 380 people are injured annually in wildlife collisions. Over 19,600 animals are hit and killed by vehicles in the province each year.

The Wildlife Collision Prevention Program is  offering a few  highway hints:

• Moose are very difficult to see at night because of their dark coat colour and their eyes are higher than most headlight beams so there is no reflected eye shine to alert drivers.
• Watch your speed. 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.
• Both drivers and passengers must actively watch for wildlife on the road and roadside area.
• People think of the road as a dangerous place, but in fact, animals are often attracted to the road and roadside area. Drive expecting to see wildlife.
• Wildlife collisions occur more than expected on long straight stretches of road, when weather and driving conditions are favourable. Drivers should resist the tendency to speed up on long straight sections of highway.
• Animals don’t think or perceive danger the same way that humans do. They may not recognize a vehicle as dangerous or a horn as a warning, or even if they do, they may not react safely.
• Animals are unpredictable in their behaviour and may bolt in front of a vehicle or cross and then immediately re-cross the road.
• Deer are often seen in groups, so if there is one animal there are usually more. The deer you are watching may not be the one that poses the threat; it may be the second or third deer following behind that causes the problem.

The Wildlife Collision Prevention Program is a non-profit organization that carries out public awareness projects throughout BC. For more information on anticipating and avoiding wildlife collisions or to make a tax deductible donation, visit www.wildlifecollisions.ca