Robert Belley credits the metal bars on his truck for saving his life in a recent incident. He vividly recalls the moment when he and his wife collided with a moose near Lanigan on a fall evening in 2024. Despite the initial shock, Belley recalls seeing the injured moose attempting to cross the highway before the pain set in.
Two years later, Belley continues to struggle with the aftermath of the accident, as he now faces limited use of his left hand, hindering his ability to work in construction and impacting his income replacement. Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) is cautioning the public about the increased risk of wildlife collisions during this time of year, particularly as more moose and deer are crossing roads.
According to SGI, approximately 8,800 wildlife-related collisions are reported in the province each year, resulting in an average of 400 injuries and two fatalities over a five-year period. Belley emphasizes the seriousness of these incidents, urging drivers to exercise caution and reduce speed on highways to prevent such accidents that can have severe and potentially fatal consequences.
Troy Corbett, the director of traffic safety community engagement at SGI, highlights that the fall season typically sees a rise in wildlife collisions, especially involving deer. He advises drivers to be vigilant, reduce speed, watch for signs of animals near roads, and use high beams when necessary to mitigate risks. In the event of a collision, Corbett recommends remaining calm, slowing down, and steering away from the animal.
SGI also suggests steering towards the point where the animal came from rather than its current direction and exercising extra caution during dawn and dusk when visibility may be impaired by glare. Bonnie Dell, the executive director of the Wildlife Rescue Society of Saskatchewan, emphasizes the importance of promptly contacting their organization for assistance in case of wildlife collisions, as every animal’s life is valuable.
Bernie Borgmann, owner of Hooker’s Towing and Recovery, shares his experiences of responding to wildlife-related incidents, estimating that a significant portion of his calls involve collisions with animals. He describes the impact as akin to hitting a solid wall and mentions instances where animals have caused substantial damage to vehicles. Despite the challenges posed by wildlife collisions, Borgmann emphasizes the need for compassion and awareness of the dangers of such incidents on the roads.