car accident injuries wildlife

While seeming like something that is not going to happen in anybody’s life, the problem is more serious as statistics says.

  • There are 4 to 8 vehicle collisions with large animals every hour in Canada
  • In Ontario, 1 out of every 17 vehicle collisions involves a wild animal

What to do to minimize collision risk?

One of the factors you should consider is the landscape you’re going through. As per research, areas with roadside flora as well as places where creeks intersect with roads are highly dangerous, tending to lead to more auto accidents. Also, it’s not a surprise that long, straight roads, making vehicle drivers to increase their speed, is another dangerous factor.

Motorcycle riders are at more high risk. According to statistics, only 2% of deer–car collisions result in human fatalities, while 85% of deer–motorcycle accidents end with motorist deaths.

Important: wild animals’ activity achieves its peak at dawn, dusk and night. Combined with less visibility, it creates another risk factor.

What to do if an animal is on the road?

If you noticed a wild animal on the road or somewhere around it, you should brake firmly, without skidding. Apply your vehicle’s horn in series of short signals in order to try to get the animal away. Slow down keeping the car under control and steer the animal around. Don’t leave the road when you avoiding the animal!

If you failed to avoid a collision or it is unavoidable, you should better angle your vehicle, rather than hit an animal head-on. After a hit, try to move your vehicle off the road. Inform your local road authority about the incident, and request them to remove the animal. Don’t approach the animal yourself.

Important: fastening the seat belt is proven to be one of the best measures to prevent injury in any motor vehicle accident.

Source: Wildlife Collision Prevention Program.

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