Robert Belley credits a set of metal bars on his truck with saving his life after colliding with a moose near Lanigan in 2024. Despite the initial shock, Belley vividly recalls the moment when he saw the injured moose attempting to cross the highway before the pain set in. Two years later, he continues to struggle with limited mobility in his left hand, preventing him from working in construction and causing financial strain due to lost income.
Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) is cautioning the public about the increased risk of wildlife collisions, particularly with moose and deer, during this time of year. Annually, the Crown insurance company reports around 8,800 wildlife-related accidents in the province, 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 prevent life-altering injuries or fatalities. Troy Corbett, SGI’s director of traffic safety community engagement, highlights the heightened risk of wildlife encounters in the fall, especially with deer, due to their increased travel activity and potential unfamiliar routes.
Corbett advises drivers to stay vigilant, slow down, watch for wildlife signs, and use high beams when necessary to avoid accidents. In unavoidable situations, he recommends remaining calm, reducing speed, and steering away from the animal to minimize the impact.
Additionally, SGI suggests steering towards the animal’s original position rather than its current path and exercising extra caution during dawn and dusk when glare can impair visibility. Bonnie Dell, executive director of the Wildlife Rescue Society of Saskatchewan, stresses the importance of contacting their organization for assistance in wildlife-related incidents.
Bernie Borgmann, owner of Hooker’s Towing and Recovery, shares his experience of encountering wildlife-related accidents while towing vehicles. He describes the impact as akin to hitting a solid wall, noting that collisions with wildlife can lead to significant damage and emotional distress for drivers.
As wildlife collisions continue to pose risks on Saskatchewan roads, drivers are reminded to remain vigilant, exercise caution, and take proactive measures to prevent accidents involving animals.
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