ALTONA, Man. (Special) – More vehicles are colliding with wildlife on Manitoba’s highways.
According to Manitoba Public Insurance, the number has nearly doubled in the past seven years.
Motorists reported 6,521 collisions in 1994-95 insurance year, compared to only 3,713 seven years earlier. Recent statistics show an average of approximately 18 collisions per day. Cost of repairs for the typical claim is $1,500.
As well, 145 people were injured and one Manitoban was killed in vehicle-wildlife collisions.
During the period, deer populations also have increased substantially.
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October and November are peak months for collisions, usually during the hours around dawn and dusk. A driver’s best defence in rural areas at dawn and dusk is to slow down and scan the ditches.
Easy access to foliage and shrubs for browsing attracts animals to road sides. They tend to roam more in winter when searching for food. Near parks, elk and moose are attracted by salt that has been applied to roads.
Safety experts advise:
- At night, drive as much as possible with your lights on high beam, keep your windshield and headlights clean.
- Deer tend to travel in groups. If you see one, expect another. When you see an animal, reduce speed, switch your lights to low beam and be prepared to stop.
