Robert Belley credits the metal bars on his truck with saving his life after he and his wife collided with a moose near Lanigan in 2024. Belley vividly recalls the moment, with the moose still alive on the highway before the pain hit him. Two years later, he struggles with using his left hand, impacting his ability to work in construction and replace his lost income.
Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) is cautioning the public about the increased risk of wildlife collisions during this time of year, particularly with more moose and deer crossing roads. Approximately 8,800 wildlife-related collisions are reported annually in the province, resulting in an average of 400 injuries and two fatalities over five years.
Belley emphasizes the seriousness of these incidents and urges people to be more cautious on highways. He highlights the potential for severe and permanent harm or even death from such collisions and stresses the importance of slowing down.
Troy Corbett, director of traffic safety community engagement at SGI, notes that fall is a peak period for wildlife collisions, especially involving deer. He advises drivers to exercise caution, reduce speed, watch for animal signs near roads, and use high beams when necessary to prevent accidents.
SGI recommends steering toward the animal’s original spot if a collision is unavoidable, being extra vigilant at dawn and dusk, and accounting for increased glare during those times. The organization acknowledges the difficulty of completely avoiding wildlife collisions but stresses the importance of taking preventive measures.
Bonnie Dell, executive director of the Wildlife Rescue Society of Saskatchewan, shares stories of animal rescues following collisions, emphasizing the value of every individual animal. Dell encourages drivers to contact her organization for assistance if they are unsure about how to proceed after hitting wildlife.
Bernie Borgmann, owner of Hooker’s Towing and Recovery, highlights the impact of wildlife collisions based on his 40 years of experience in the towing industry. He notes that a significant percentage of his calls involve incidents with wildlife, describing the collisions as akin to hitting a solid barrier.
Borgmann’s experiences range from animals breaking windshields to encountering multiple collision incidents. He emphasizes the emotional toll of these events, noting that they serve as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by wildlife on the roads.
