Drivers in the Kootenays face the highest risk of wildlife collisions in B.C. during May and June as both animals and motorists change their behaviour, Road Safety at Work said.
ICBC reports an average of more than 12,000 animal-related incidents and 952 people injured annually over the past five years, with a large share occurring in the Southern Interior, including the Kootenay region.
The Southern Interior records an annual average of 5,232 wildlife collisions — the highest of any region in the province.
The numbers tend to spike at this time of year. Deer account for most collisions in May, and elk in June, as wildlife movement increases sharply, said Trace Acres, spokesperson for Road Safety at Work. Deer and elk are more active at dawn and dusk, crossing roads unpredictably as they search for food, move to new habitat or care for young.
“Roads look clearer and the weather is better so drivers may not be as alert to the hazards,” said Acres. “At the same time, wildlife activity is peaking. And that combination raises the risk of collisions.”
Rural highways and resource roads common in the Kootenays increase the likelihood of encounters with wildlife, particularly for people who drive for work.
People who drive as part of their job are especially exposed to the risks. Hundreds of thousands of B.C. employees drive as part of their job, either full time, part time or occasionally.
“They’re on the road more, often at dawn or dusk, and that puts them directly in the window of time when wildlife is most active,” Acres said.
Five ways drivers can help prevent collisions
To reduce the risk of colliding with wildlife, drivers should:
• Wear their seatbelt
• Slow down and be alert in areas marked with wildlife warning signs and near parks, forested areas and waterways
• Scan roadsides for wildlife continuously, especially in low-light conditions
• Be prepared for multiple animals, not just one
• Avoid swerving suddenly, which can lead to losing control of the vehicle
What to do if you collide with wildlife
If you collide with wildlife, “focus first on protecting people, then dealing with the scene and reporting the incident,” Acres said.
• Check yourself and passengers for injuries. Call 911 if anyone is injured.
• Turn on your vehicle’s hazard lights. Stay well off the road if you have to get out of the vehicle.
• Don’t approach an injured animal. Call the B.C. Conservation Officer Service at 1-877-952-7277. If it’s dead, contact the road maintenance contractor through DriveBC.ca’s “Report a Highway Problem” page.
• Contact your employer if you’re driving for work and follow their instructions.
How employers can meet their responsibilities to keep work drivers safe
Employers are responsible for employee safety when driving on the job, even when employees use their own vehicles. To reduce risk, Road Safety at Work recommends employers:
• Warn drivers about the hazards of wildlife on the road
• Plan routes and schedules to limit driving at high-risk times when possible
• Include wildlife collision prevention in their road safety plans
• Develop procedures and educate drivers about what to do if they’re in a collision with wildlife
