If you're driving north, watch out for moose

OPP NEWS RELEASE

******************** Moose keep Superior East detachment busy

(Superior East Area) - Five motor vehicle collisions with moose over the weekend kept Superior East OPP officers busy.

Two motor vehicles struck moose on the 3rd of December 2005.

The first motor vehicle/moose collision occurred at Highway 17 near Highway 118 at approximately 5:30 p.m. A 57-year-old male from Willowdale, Ontario was operating his Ford Explorer when it collided with a moose. The man was not injured.

At 7:30 p.m. on the 3rd of December, a 26-year-old male was operating a Plymouth Acclaim on Highway 17 near the Coldwater River. At this time he encountered a moose on the roadway and failed to avoid a collision. Fortunately no injuries were reported.

The 4th of December proved no better for local vehicular traffic.

At 6:25 p.m. a 22-year-old male from Pont Lafrance, New Brunswick was travelling on Highway 101 in Maness Township when his Pontiac Grand Prix struck a moose.

The man was taken to hospital in this incident with non-life threatening injuries.

Again a motor vehicle/moose collision was reported at 7:20 p.m., 4th of December, on Highway 519. The collision involved a 48-year-old Wawa man and occurred when his Ford F350 struck a moose. He was able to drive away from the scene and was also not injured in the collision.

The final collision was between a Nissan Quest and a moose on Highway 17, Goodwillie Township. The collision occurred at 8:30 p.m. and the 38-year-old male driver was not injured.

******************** Superior East OPP Detachment and the Ministry of Transportation are reminding motorists to Watch, Steer, Brake and Stop.

Watch – Scan the road ahead from shoulder to shoulder. If you see wildlife, slow down and pass carefully as they may suddenly bolt onto the road. Where possible, use high beams at night and watch for the glowing eyes of animals.

Steer – Stay in control and watch your speed. Slowing down at night can give you that extra second to respond. Never swerve suddenly as your vehicle could go out of control or head into oncoming traffic.

Brake – Brake firmly if the animal is standing on or crossing the road. Don't assume the animal will move out of the way.

Stop – Stop as safely as possible, keeping in mind that if one animal crosses the road, others may follow. Peak times for collisions are 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.

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