Robert Belley credits a set of metal bars attached to his truck with saving his life following a collision with a moose near Lanigan in 2024. Reflecting on the incident, Belley vividly recalls seeing the moose struggling to cross the highway before the pain from the impact set in. Two years later, he continues to experience severe limitations in his left hand, preventing him from pursuing his construction work and facing challenges in replacing his lost income.
Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) is cautioning the public about the increased risk of wildlife collisions during this time of year, particularly as more moose and deer are venturing onto roads. Approximately 8,800 wildlife-related accidents are reported annually in the province, resulting in an average of 400 injuries and two fatalities over a five-year period.
Belley emphasizes the seriousness of these incidents, urging drivers to exercise caution and reduce speed on highways to prevent potentially life-altering consequences. He stresses the importance of raising awareness about the dangers posed by wildlife encounters on the roads.
Troy Corbett, the director of traffic safety community engagement at SGI, highlights the heightened risk of wildlife collisions during the fall season, especially involving deer. He advises drivers to remain vigilant, reduce speed, watch for signs of animals near the road, and utilize high beams when necessary to enhance visibility.
In the event of an unavoidable collision, Corbett recommends staying calm, slowing down, and steering away from the animal to minimize the impact. Additionally, SGI suggests steering toward the point where the animal originated rather than its current direction and exercising extra caution during dawn and dusk when visibility may be compromised.
Bonnie Dell, the executive director of the Wildlife Rescue Society of Saskatchewan, recounts numerous instances of collisions involving deer and coyotes, emphasizing the value of each individual animal. She encourages drivers to reach out to their organization for guidance and assistance in handling wildlife-related incidents.
Bernie Borgmann, the owner of Hooker’s Towing and Recovery, shares his experience of responding to wildlife-related accidents, noting that a significant portion of his calls involve collisions with animals. He describes the impact as akin to hitting a solid barrier and underscores the importance of driver awareness and caution to reduce such incidents.
With the onset of the wildlife collision season, drivers are reminded to exercise vigilance, adhere to speed limits, and take proactive measures to mitigate the risks associated with encountering animals on the roadways.