Heading into late spring and early summer brings an increased risk of vehicle collisions with wildlife, and Road Safety at Work is urging drivers to stay alert.
According to Insurance Corporation of British Columbia, an average of 12,000 animal-related crashes are reported annually and about 952 people have been injured each year over the past five years.
Deer are involved in most animal-vehicle collisions in May, while elk are more commonly involved in June, according to Road Safety at Work.
Trace Acres, spokesperson for the organization, said both animals are more active at dawn and dusk and can cross roads unpredictably.
“Roads look clearer and the weather is better so drivers may not be as alert to the hazards,” says Acres. “At the same time, wildlife activity is peaking. And that combination raises the risk of collisions.”
On Vancouver Island, an average of nearly 2,200 animal-related crashes are reported each year.
The group said drivers can reduce the risk by slowing down, scanning the sides of the road and anticipating multiple animals if they see one.
