Wildlife collisions continue to plague Saskatchewan roads

Wildlife collisions are a part of Saskatchewan summers, and in 2018, more than 14,000 claims were reported to SGI.

Of the claims, 12,401 of them included deer, while 525 were with moose.

SGI’s manager of media relations, Tyler McMurchy, said the collisions are sometimes impossible to stop.

“Sometimes a collision is unavoidable,” he said. “The driver could have done everything right but in some cases, you will hit an animal despite doing everything right.”

McMurchy gave a few tips for avoiding a crash with an animal on the highway.

Scanning the road from shoulder to shoulder, slowing down and proceeding with caution if you do see an animal, and using high beams when possible are some of the ways to avoid a collision.

Using your horn, and braking firmly also work, he said. When it comes to getting close to an animal, and if the collision is unavoidable, McMurchy said aiming the vehicle at where the animal is coming from and attempting to get a glancing blow (instead of head-on contact) is another option in a worst-case scenario.

Also, if you brake firmly and avoid swerving while remaining in control of your vehicle, that’s another way you can avoid a major collision with an animal.

Releasing the brake before the collision will allow the vehicle to rise, McMurchy said, which will give you a chance at reducing the risk of the animal coming through the windshield.

“The best collision is the one you avoid,” McMurchy said. “It’s important, especially when you’re seeing those yellow wildlife warning signs that indicate the areas of high risk.”

He said annually on Saskatchewan roads, just under 400 people are injured, while four people are lost on average per year in collisions with wildlife.

If you do collide with an animal, McMurchy said to move to the side of the road with your hazards on, assess the damage done, and call the police if there are any injuries or if your vehicle isn’t driveable.

SGI urges drivers to never approach the animal, as they become unpredictable and dangerous in their injured state.