Drivers are being urged to watch out for wildlife, as BC is in a peak period for wildlife activity.
Every year across the province, there are close to 10,000 vehicle collisions with wildlife, mainly consisting of deer.
Road Safety at Work Program Director, Trace Acres says according to wildlife collision prevention program and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, the numbers could actually be higher.
“They estimate it’s actually closer to 20,000 collisions every year.” says Acres.
“Four people die in collisions with wildlife in BC on average every year, and almost 900 people are injured, that’s a big number, but not as big as the fatalities to animals.”
Acres says that over 6,000 animals are killed every year in collisions, which is a problem, it’s costly, and is traumatic.
Some tips to prevent collisions with wildlife include being aware, being prepared to make a sudden stop, and don’t be distracted.
He notes that collisions with wildlife are typically between the hours of 6:00am to 8:00am and 5:00pm to 8:00pm, when animals are most active and light conditions are low.
Acres says collisions with deer are more common between the months of May and June, as well as the Fall months, and a higher collision with moose through June and July.
More information about road safety can be found on Road Safety at Work’s website here.
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