Robert Belley credits the metal bars on his truck with saving his life after a collision with a moose near Lanigan in 2024. The impact left him with lasting injuries, including limited use of his left hand and financial struggles due to lost income. Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) is cautioning drivers about the increased risk of wildlife collisions during this time of year.
SGI reports around 8,800 wildlife-related accidents annually in the province, resulting in an average of 400 injuries and two fatalities over five years. Belley emphasizes the seriousness of these incidents, urging drivers to be vigilant and reduce speed on highways to avoid severe consequences.
Troy Corbett, SGI’s director of traffic safety community engagement, highlights the heightened risk of wildlife encounters during the fall season, especially involving deer. He advises drivers to exercise caution, lower speeds, watch for wildlife signs, and use high beams when necessary. In unavoidable situations, Corbett recommends staying calm, slowing down, and steering away from the animal.
SGI also suggests steering toward the animal’s entry point rather than its destination and exercising extra caution during dawn and dusk when visibility is reduced. Bonnie Dell, executive director of the Wildlife Rescue Society of Saskatchewan, stresses the importance of promptly contacting their organization for assistance if drivers are uncertain about handling wildlife collisions.
Bernie Borgmann, owner of Hooker’s Towing and Recovery, notes that a significant portion of the incidents he responds to involve wildlife collisions. He describes the impact as akin to hitting a solid object and mentions the various challenges faced when dealing with these accidents.
Overall, drivers are urged to be vigilant, exercise caution, and take appropriate measures to minimize the risks associated with wildlife collisions on Saskatchewan roads.