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May, 2009
Wildlife on the Roads
Hazard
Now that winter is on its way out and taking the icy and snowy road conditions with it, drivers have other dangers to watch out for. Warm weather means drivers have to pay attention to wildlife on or approaching roadways.
According to the Ministry of Transportation (MTO), animals are most dangerous to drivers during the spring and fall months. During May and June animals are attracted to road salt left over from the winter months and also migrate to the roads to get away from bugs. During the fall months the risk of wildlife collisions increases because of migration and mating season.
Statistics posted on the MTOs website indicated that there are incidents involving wildlife every 37 minutes in Ontario and that one out of 16 collisions involves wildlife. The MTO reported that in 2005 there were 14,097 wildlife collisions.
Prevention
Wildlife seem to appear instantaneously out of nowhere so the best way to avoid a collision is to be a defensive driver.
Pay attention to animal crossing signs. These signs indicate that a high number of animals have been known to cross the roadways in the area.
Keep on high alert by scanning the sides of the road. Ask any passengers to help pay attention.
In situations where an animal is seen on the side of the road, slow down to a safe speed and put on the four-way emergency lights until the animal is out of sight. Animals are unpredictable and it is unclear which direction they are going to run and there is a possibility the animal is not alone.
When there is an animal in the middle of the road, brake firmly and try to scare the animal away by repeatedly honking the horn.
The most dangerous thing a driver can do is to try to swerve around the animal. This could lead to a more serious incident involving oncoming traffic.
Resources
Ministry of Transportation
www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/safety/wildlife.shtml
Canada Safety Council
www.safety-council.org/info/traffic/roadkill.html
For more information or resources, please contact your MASHA
field consultant.
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