Long weekend safety: Wildlife on the roads

bear road safety wildlife
A lot of Canadians will be travelling this long weekend – be it to a camp site, a family cottage or even for a day trip to a park. And that means extra cards on the road. We’ve taken this opportunity to collect some great tips on driving safely when wildlife is around, as well as general road safety tips for the summer.

Be aware of wildlife

  • Scan the road and ditches ahead for animals, especially when travelling at dawn or dusk
  • Slow down in a curve, when reaching the crest of a hill or in wildlife populated areas
  • Watch for the shining eyes or silhouette of an animal at night and use high beams
  • Slow down if an animal is on or near the road and be prepared to stop, as their behaviour is unpredictable – an animal that has crossed the road can turn back in the vehicle's path
  • Look for more than one animal – some travel in groups
  • Honk in a series of short bursts to chase animals away
  • Leave a lot a room when driving around an animal on or near the road – a frightened animal may run in any direction
  • Watch for wildlife warning signs, use extra caution and slow down in areas where animal crossing signs are posted

Sourced from: http://www.saferoads.com/drivers/beware-of-wildlife-on-alberta-roads.html

Road safety for summer

  • Make sure your vehicle has been recently checked by a mechanic, and replace or repair parts. Also make sure fluid levels and tire pressure are acceptable.
  • Wearing your seatbelt is the single most effective thing you can do to keep yourself and your passengers safe. Buckle up!
  • Stay alert: take breaks if you’re feeling tired, play vocal games with passengers or even bring along a CD of stand-up comedy to help stay focused.
  • Before attaching a trailer of any kind, review your owner’s manual to be sure your vehicle is equipped for the job. Leave extra space while towing a trailer, too, as you’ll need more space to stop.
  • Be prepared to slow down in construction zones, which are common in our Canadian summers.

Sourced from: https://canadasafetycouncil.org/traffic-safety/driving-tips-summer-trips

Help Make A Difference

Join The Fur-Bearers today and help us protect fur-bearing animals in the wild and confinement. To become a monthly donor (for as little as $10/month – the cost of two lattes) please click here and help us save lives today. Your donation is tax-deductible.

Tags

Latest Posts

Defender Radio

00.00
Listen To The Latest
  • Listen To The Latest

About Us

Established in 1953, The Fur-Bearers is a charitable, non-partisan organization whose goals are to end the commercial fur trade and promote solutions for wildlife coexistence in communities. Your donation is tax-deductible. Charitable registration number: 130006125RR0002

1% For The Planet Partner

Pin It on Pinterest

Scroll to Top