Swan Hills RCMP are asking drivers in the area to use extreme caution on local highways due to increased wildlife activity in the area.
Police say the Swan Hills RCMP detachment has responded to five collisions involving moose in the area, resulting in a loss of five moose, since Jan. 1.
Deep snow is reportedly pushing wildlife onto plowed highways, and road salt is attracting them.
As a result, the RCMP is asking drivers to be extra vigilant and follow these safety reminders:
- Don’t swerve: If a collision is inevitable, brake firmly but stay in your lane. Swerving on ice or snow covered roads often leads to loss of control, which could pose a greater risk than the initial impact due to oncoming traffic in the opposing lane.
- Scan the ditches: While moose eyes do reflect light, their long legs often position their eyes above the headlight beams of standard passenger vehicles. This means, you may not see the typical “eye shine” warning that you see with deer. Moose also have dark fur that absorbs light and blends into the night which makes them incredibly hard to see until you are too close to stop.
- Tall profile: Due to their height, impacts often damage the windshield rather than the bumper. Reducing your speed and driving for the conditions provides the best chance of stopping in time—protecting both you and the animal.
- Don’t outrun your headlights: At highway speeds, your stopping distance on icy or snow-covered roads is often longer than the distance your headlights can reach. If you can’t stop within the distance you can clearly see, you are going too fast.
- Drive for conditions: The maximum posted speed limit is intended for ideal, summer driving conditions. During winter driving conditions, you must adjust your speed accordingly. Remember that “legal” speed isn’t always “safe” speed, especially in winter.
If you are involved in a collision and require the assistance of police, please call 310-RCMP.
