Driving Tips > Safety Columns
Watch for wild critters crossing
Many of us welcome fall as a time of rest and reflection after a burst of summer energy.
But for wild animals, fall is often when they’re most active – especially around dawn and dusk, and throughout the evening. That means it's more likely they'll be crossing the road.
The largest of these animals – such as moose – can weigh up to 600 kilograms. Hitting one at high speed can cause serious damage and injury.
How to avoid hitting a wild animal
- Slow down at dawn, dusk and throughout the evening in high risk areas.
- Dim your headlights – your bright lights could cause animals to freeze.
- Scan the roadside for animals.
- At night, watch for glare from their eyes.
- If an animal jumps out, brake firmly and steer straight to avoid or minimize the impact.
- Avoid hard swerving. You could roll or crash into another vehicle and cause even more serious injury to yourself or others.
- Blowing your horn may scare the animal off the road.
- If one crosses, expect others to follow.
- See maps showing high-risk areas for wild animals crossing.
If you hit a wild animal...
- If possible, move your car off the road, turn on your flashers and call police.
- Don't touch or try to move the animal.
For more information, watch The 60-Second Driver on CTV, and check out the following on our website:
- Wildlife in Driving Tips
- Wildlife in Other Issues
- You can access the 60-Second Driver video on Wildlife directly
