November is the most dangerous month in Alberta for collisions between vehicles and wild animals.
Alberta Transportation statistics indicate about 18 percent of all such collisions occur in November, which has roughly double the number of collisions compared to any other month.
Mating season and migration are among the reasons, as is the attraction to roads for their ditch vegetation and salt.
On average, there were 1,249 animal crashes each month in Alberta, but in November the average climbs to 2,650.
In 2012, the transportation department recorded 14,036 animal collisions, and last year they made up 54 percent of all crashes on rural highways. Most incidents occurred between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m.
To avoid such collisions, the department suggests:
– Reducing speed in areas with wildlife warning and crossing signs.
– Being more careful at dawn and dusk, when animals are more active.
– Using high-beam headlights when possible
– Slowing down when animals are seen near the road.
