ELLIOT LAKE – The East Algoma Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is urging the motoring public to beware of moose along the highway while out driving.
The moose are being driven out of the bush by the high number of bugs this year due to a very wet spring. They are seeking relief and do that by leaving their normal habitat and making their way out to the highways where there are less insects pestering them.
Drivers can do the following things to help prevent and/or avoid collisions.
- Be sure to follow the speed limit. It is much easier to stop a vehicle that is not going too fast.
- Scan the shoulders of the highways so an errant moose may be spotted before it makes its way onto the road. Have any passengers in the vehicle do this also.
- Be particularly vigilant during the hours of dawn and dusk when moose are harder to see.
- Be aware of moose crossing signage. Those signs are strategically placed where more moose are congregating.
- If a moose is on the highway, pull over to the right onto the shoulder, turn on your hazard lights and wait for the animal to move. Do not honk your horn or scare the moose.
- If your vehicle is involved in a collision with a moose, phone your local police so both your vehicle and the moose can be removed from the Highway quickly.
Detachment Commander A/Inspector Richard Riopelle states, “The OPP is concerned primarily about public safety. If we can offer any education to help motorists avoid a collision on Ontario’s Highways with a moose, this is our goal.”
