Police are reminding people to stay alert while driving, especially at night, after an SUV hit a moose.
On Valentine's Day (Feb. 14) just after 7 p.m., James Bay OPP and Cochrane District EMS responded to a crash where a vehicle hit a moose.
The driver of the vehicle suffered minor injuries, but the moose was severely injured and had to be dispatched by police.
"If you hit a moose, pull over safely (if possible) and activate your four-way hazard lights. Do not approach an injured animal, and call police even if you're unsure of damage," said police in a news release.
Police also shared tips to reduce the risk of hitting a moose. Those are:
- Obey the speed limit, risk of injury is greater at higher speeds.
- Be cautious in areas of reduced visibility, hills, curves, and dense vegetation.
- Use your high beams when possible (low beams for oncoming traffic)
- Keep your eyes on the road, scanning for wildlife. A passenger can do this too.
- Stay alert and avoid distractions such as cell phones.
- If you have the choice - avoid driving the highway higher risk times — dusk and dawn.
- Seatbelts are a must; risk of serious injury is greatly increased in unbelted persons involved in a moose collision.
- Be cautious not to veer into oncoming traffic and be aware of vehicles around you when braking.
