Apparently November is the worst month to come in contact with
animals on the road. Spotting wildlife on a scenic drive is one
thing, but unexpectedly hitting something can ruin your trip.
Whether we’re talking urban critters who refuse to cross at the
lights, or great beasts roaming the Canadian Shield, we need to
regularly remind ourselves how to react to animals while driving.
In Ontario, a motor vehicle and a wild animal collide every 38
minutes, according to Transportation Minister Donna Cansfield. In a
recent statement she warned motorists, "89 per cent of collisions
are on two-lane roads outside of urban areas like Peterborough. And
84 per cent happen in good weather."
Estimates suggest a million vehicles connect with animals every day
in the U.S. When I mentioned this in a previous column, an alert
reader pointed out this comes to 11.5 animals per second. That’s a
lot of auto repair bills, hospital visits for injured humans,
rattled nerves and deceased creatures.
As a child, I clearly recall the damage a deer did to my dad’s
Datsun, and remember imagining how that beautiful, scared beast must
have suffered. That was in the 1970’s, but as wild animals continue
to get used to living with humans, their numbers may actually
increase close to cities. A report from Alberta indicates that the
number of crashes involving wildlife or domestic animals nearly
doubled over 10 years. An adult male deer can weigh up to 300
pounds, and a moose up to 1,400 lbs.
For the generations of kids who were upset at hunters after
watching Bambi, it’s troubling to recognize that many animal/auto
collisions involve deer. What can we do personally to reduce the
risk? A reader in BC wrote me that some rural drivers attach special
ultrasonic whistles to their bumpers to ward off deer.
Manufacturers apparently market these "acoustic attention-getters",
with claims that deer react by freezing still. There’s anecdotal
evidence these inexpensive gizmos reduce collisions, but the Ontario
Ministry of Transportation (MTO) has not conducted any field
evaluation of deer whistles. Limited studies in the U.S. pooh-pooh
their effectiveness.
You may want to put one on your bumper for the heck of it, but keep
them clear of gunk. However, for all I know, there may only give
headaches to nearby dogs and foxes.
Remember, we’re talking about getting the attention of animals
here, including crafty raccoons to over-confident pigeons. Any
winged or legged creature can panic, or simply get caught in the
high-beams – you can’t predict their reactions. As my Near-North
correspondent Eric McConnachie puts it, animals “paragons of
unpredictability.”
He says rural drivers often rely on high-beam lights to spot
wildlife after dark, except when approaching oncoming cars – and you
can’t be sure a startled animal still won’t appear suddenly in your
path.
Along some provincial highways, MTO has installed fencing, removed
roadside brush and posted warning signs -- but the authorities are
relying on education to remind us that the advent of winter is not
the time to lower our guards.
The best protection is still the skill of the mammal behind the
steering wheel. So here’s your refresher course: scan the road ahead
from shoulder to shoulder, slow down and pass carefully when there
are wildlife present, as they may suddenly bolt onto the road.
Watch your speed and never swerve suddenly. Brake firmly if an
animal is standing on, or crossing, the road. Remember that when one
critter crosses the road, others may follow.
The “Watch For Wildlife” brochure can be found online at
www.mto.gov.on.ca and various
public service offices across the province.
edrass@nationalpost.com