The motoring public is being advised to exercise caution and keep a watch for roaming moose when travelling on provincial roadways this fall, particularly between dusk and dawn.

Moose-vehicle collisions tend to increase during September and October as moose become more active in response to cooling temperatures, and in preparation for rutting season which occurs at this time of the year.

Motorists are encouraged to adhere to the following guidelines to avoid a moose-vehicle collision:

• Slow down when driving at night to allow more time to respond to a moose on or near a roadway;
• Pay attention to posted warning signs which mark high-risk areas;
• Scan both sides of the road ahead as far as possible, especially when travelling in posted high-risk areas;
• Use extreme caution whenever encountering wildlife, regardless of the animal’s behavior or how far it is from the roadway;
• Focus on the road. Don’t become distracted;
• Maintain a clean windshield and headlights;
• Drive with your headlights on high beam unless approaching, or overtaking, other traffic;
• Wear seatbelts because they save lives.

The public can report moose sightings along or near roadways by calling 1-855-89MOOSE (66673).

Additional moose-vehicle collision awareness information is available on the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture website and the Save Our People Action Committee (SOPAC) website.

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Media contact
Craig Renouf
Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
709-637-2923, 640-6922
craigrenouf@gov.nl.ca