Robert Belley credits a set of metal bars on his vehicle with saving his life. Recalling the moment he and his wife collided with a moose near Lanigan in 2024, Belley vividly remembers the moose still moving after the impact before the pain set in. Two years later, he continues to struggle with limited use of his left hand, preventing him from working in construction and causing financial strain.
Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) is cautioning the public about the increased risk of wildlife collisions during this time of year, as more moose and deer are crossing roads. According to SGI, the province sees around 8,800 wildlife-related collisions annually, resulting in an average of 400 injuries and two fatalities over a five-year period.
Belley emphasizes the seriousness of wildlife collisions, urging drivers to exercise caution and reduce speed on highways to avoid life-threatening accidents. Troy Corbett, SGI’s director of traffic safety community engagement, highlights the heightened risk of collisions with deer during the fall season due to their increased activity and unfamiliar routes.
Corbett advises drivers to stay vigilant, slow down, watch for signs of animals near roads, and use high beams when necessary to prevent collisions. In unavoidable situations, he recommends remaining calm, reducing speed, and steering away from the animal to minimize the impact.
SGI also suggests steering towards the animal’s point of origin rather than its direction of travel and exercising extra caution during dawn and dusk when visibility may be compromised. Bonnie Dell, executive director of the Wildlife Rescue Society of Saskatchewan, stresses the importance of contacting their organization for assistance in rescuing injured wildlife.
Bernie Borgmann, owner of Hooker’s Towing and Recovery, shares his experience of responding to wildlife-related incidents, noting that a significant portion of his calls involve collisions with animals. He describes the impact as akin to hitting a solid object, emphasizing the dangers and emotional toll of such incidents.
As wildlife collisions remain a significant concern, drivers are urged to take preventive measures, exercise caution, and be prepared to respond appropriately to minimize harm to both themselves and animals on the roadways.