OPP say there were no injuries in a recent moose collision on Highway 63, north of the City, but are warning motorists to be cautious as there have been "several collisions on our area highways involving wildlife."
The moose in the photo was hit on Highway 63 and no injuries were reported
Collisions between vehicles and moose are a serious problem in this area.
See: Callander motorcyclist dies after collision with moose on Highway 11
And: Same moose involved in two separate collisions
Moose are particularly dangerous to motorists because of their size and weight. A typical adult moose can weigh anywhere from 800 to 1,500 pounds. When a vehicle collides with a moose, the force of the impact can be devastating, often resulting in serious injuries or death to the occupants of the vehicle.
One of the main reasons why moose-vehicle collisions are so common is that moose are often active during the same times of day that people are driving. Moose are most active during the early morning and late evening hours, which coincides with rush hour traffic in many areas.
Additionally, moose are attracted to the roadside vegetation that grows along highways and roads, which can lead them onto the pavement.
Another factor that contributes to moose-vehicle collisions is the design of modern vehicles. Cars and trucks are built to withstand high-speed collisions with other vehicles, but they are not designed to withstand impacts with large animals like moose. When a vehicle collides with a moose, the animal's body can crush the passenger compartment of the vehicle, causing extensive damage and potentially injuring the occupants.
To help reduce the number of moose-vehicle collisions, transportation agencies and wildlife management organizations have implemented a variety of strategies. You might have seen the moose warning signs along Highway 11 where moose are known to be active. These signs alert drivers to the potential danger and remind them to be cautious and alert while driving.
Another strategy is to construct wildlife crossings or fences along highways and roads to help prevent moose and other large animals from entering the roadway. There is one just south of Powassan These structures can be expensive to build, but they have been shown to be effective at reducing the number of collisions between vehicles and wildlife.
You can take steps to reduce your risk of colliding with a moose while on the road. This includes driving at a safe speed, especially in areas where moose are known to be active, and staying alert and focused while driving, especially during the early morning and late evening hours when moose are most active.
#NorthBayOPP warning area drivers that there have been several collisions on our area highways involving wildlife. This moose was hit on #Hwy63, no injuries were reported. #SlowDown #DriveSafe #PayAttention. pic.twitter.com/tSWkXfa22y
— OPP North East Region (@OPP_NER) June 29, 2023
