Robert Belley credits metal bars on his truck for saving his life after he and his wife collided with a moose near Lanigan in 2024. This incident left him with severe injuries, particularly affecting his left hand, making it challenging for him to work in construction and causing financial struggles. Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) warns about the increased risk of wildlife collisions during this time of year when more moose and deer are on the move.
SGI reports approximately 8,800 wildlife-related collisions in the province yearly, resulting in an average of 400 injuries and two fatalities over five years. Belley emphasizes the seriousness of these incidents, urging people to slow down on highways to prevent life-threatening accidents.
Troy Corbett, the director of traffic safety community engagement at SGI, highlights the heightened risk of wildlife collisions in the fall, especially involving deer. He advises drivers to exercise caution, reduce speed, watch for animal signs near roads, and use high beams when necessary to avoid accidents. In unavoidable situations, Corbett recommends staying calm, slowing down, and steering away from the animal.
Moreover, SGI suggests steering toward where the animal came from instead of its current direction and exercising extra caution during dawn and dusk due to increased glare. Bonnie Dell, the executive director of the Wildlife Rescue Society of Saskatchewan, stresses the importance of contacting their organization for assistance in wildlife collision situations, as they regularly encounter injured deer and coyotes.
Bernie Borgmann, the owner of Hooker’s Towing and Recovery, notes that a significant portion of his towing responses involve wildlife-related incidents. Describing the impact as akin to hitting a wall, Borgmann shares his experiences handling vehicles that collided with moose and deer. He emphasizes the emotional toll on individuals involved in these accidents, highlighting the need for road safety awareness.