The Alberta Motor Association is raising awareness about the importance of exercising extra caution and being alert for wildlife while driving, especially at night.
Supervisor for AMA Driver Education, Dennis Porter, says the highest risk hours for a collision with wildlife are 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. He notes that is when over one-third of collisions occur.
“They’re [animals] out a lot more, and they’re less visible due to the darkness,” he says.
Porter adds that 80 per cent of wildlife collisions that are reported involve deer.
“Just always remember [to scan] the roads at all times – looking in the ditches, looking for the eyes that are looking back at you because sometimes that’s all you can see,” he notes.
“With those deer, just having that awareness and just reminding yourself that if something steps out front, it’s better to get there with a damaged vehicle than not get there.”
Porter says if you do come upon wildlife, if you can, hit the brakes as opposed to swerving out of the way. “With animals and wildlife, the best choice, if you do see one that does come in front of you, your best bet is to brake. It’s the swerve that causes a lot more damage because of leaving the road or hitting oncoming traffic,” he remarks.
Porter adds that if you can safely brake, it could help avoid secondary conditions with other vehicles.
“On the highways, don’t be afraid to slow down. If the sign says there [are] deer in the area, it’s probably because there’s been a few collisions in that area with animals,” he states.
“So, be aware, slow down a little bit if need be, don’t overdrive your headlights, stay alert and if you can, drive with a little bit more daylight.”
Porter notes that if you are a passenger in the vehicle, particularly at night and along darker roadways, help the driver by keeping an eye out for animals on the side of the road. “Two sets of eyes [are] a lot better than one,” he says.
He adds that for most wildlife, they do not travel alone. So, if you spot one animal on the road, “expect company”.
CHECK YOUR VEHICLE
Before hitting the road, Porter suggests doing a visual inspection of your vehicle, to ensure all lights are working properly.
“Check your headlights, make sure they’re both on and make sure to do that quick walk-around your car and make certain your car’s lights and taillights are lit up properly.”
He suggests driving with your lights fully on at all times.
“‘Car on, lights on. Car off, lights off’, just get into that habit [and] don’t always trust the automatic lights to turn your lights on properly,” Porter states.
“A lot of people get in the habit of relying on their auto lights, [but if] somebody gets in the car and turns the light off, a lot of new cars, the dash light shows up and the running lights show up, but it doesn’t mean that the taillights are there.”
Porter says at the end of the day, the biggest message from AMA is to be prepared and aware of your surroundings.
“We live in such a beautiful part of the country [so] just take your time and enjoy it, if need be. Enjoy the journey, not just the destination.”
According to the AMA, wildlife incidents account for half of all collisions on rural highways in the province, and 60 per cent of those happen in rural areas.
However, Porter says awareness and safety are just as important on local city roads.
