Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation launches Phase 2 of the 2017 Public Safety Campaign
Saskatchewan’s deer are on the move, and the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation (SWF) is appealing to motorists to be more alert while driving through areas that deer inhabit.Whitetail and mule deer around the province are in the middle of the rut, a six week – long breeding season that peaks around the end of November which means that more and more deer will be crossing the roadways.
October, November and December account for the highest number of vehicular collisions with deer throughout the year. Deer/vehicle collisions can be both dangerous and costly (over $55 million in claims in 2016), including the potential for personal injury or fatality. Over 10,000 deer were killed in 2016 as well.
The Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation, with continued support from SGI, is promoting a province-wide educational awareness campaign called “Go Slow and Save a Little Doe”, with a focus on preventing vehicular collisions with animals thereby reducing and eliminating personal injury or fatalities and saving our wildlife. Phase one was launched in June to coincide with increased summer highway traffic patterns and now, phase 2 is being launched to coincide with the rut.
The 2017 public safety campaign consists of radio and TV public service announcements and highway billboards as well as informational dinner placemats used by SWF branches at special events around the province.
“We’re hoping that this campaign will remind motorists to pay attention to highway signs depicting deer crossings and also to just be more alert when driving through areas with higher deer populations, said SWF executive director Darrell Crabbe. “Drivers should be especially vigilant at dawn, at dusk, and through the night when deer are more mobile and less visible”.
Here are some tips to keep in mind when driving in areas where wildlife inhabit:
• Watch your speed –Slowing down reduces the distance to stop
• Constantly scan the road from shoulder to shoulder
• At night, watch for glowing eyes of animals and use high beams whenever possible
• If you see an animal on the side of the road, slow down and pass by slowly
• When one animal crosses the road, often others will follow
• If an animal appears suddenly, brake firmly and stay in control of your vehicle. Avoid swerving into oncoming traffic or the ditch.
More tips are available at: https://www.sgi.sk.ca/individuals/safety/training/driveright/wildlife.html
