Robert Belley credits the metal bars on his truck for saving his life after a collision with a moose near Lanigan in 2024. Despite surviving the accident, Belley still suffers from severe injuries, including limited use of his left hand, preventing him from working in construction and causing financial struggles.
Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) is cautioning people about the increased risks of wildlife collisions during this time of year, when more moose and deer are crossing roads. According to SGI, approximately 8,800 wildlife-related collisions are reported in the province annually, resulting in an average of 400 injuries and two fatalities over a five-year period.
Belley emphasizes the seriousness of wildlife collisions, urging drivers to exercise caution and reduce speed on highways to prevent accidents that can lead to severe injuries or death. SGI’s director of traffic safety community engagement, Troy Corbett, advises drivers to be vigilant, especially during fall when wildlife, particularly deer, are more active on unfamiliar routes.
To avoid collisions with wildlife, SGI recommends drivers to slow down, be alert for signs of animals near the road, and use high beams when necessary. In case of an unavoidable collision, Corbett advises drivers to remain calm, reduce speed, and steer away from the animal to minimize the impact.
Bonnie Dell, executive director of the Wildlife Rescue Society of Saskatchewan, highlights the impact of wildlife collisions on animals, recounting a recent incident where a coyote was rescued and rehabilitated after being hit by a vehicle. Dell encourages drivers to contact their organization for assistance when involved in wildlife-related accidents.
Bernie Borgmann, owner of Hooker’s Towing and Recovery, emphasizes the force of wildlife collisions, likening them to hitting a solid wall and stressing the importance of caution on the roads. With a significant percentage of his towing responses involving wildlife incidents, Borgmann underscores the need for drivers to be aware of the risks and take necessary precautions to avoid such accidents.
