Holiday travelers cautioned to be alert for moose on provincial highways

With the busy holiday travel season underway, government is reminding motorists to be alert for moose when traveling the province�s highways. Research indicates the majority of moose-vehicle collisions occur at night, on straight sections of roads, and when drivers are traveling at high speeds. Motorists are urged to reduce their driving speeds at night to decrease the chance of a moose-vehicle accident.

"At this time of year, people are traveling to visit with family and friends, and while we are all anxious to celebrate the holidays, it is important to keep driving safety first and foremost in our minds," said Environment and Conservation Minister Tom Osborne. "As you drive our highways, please be alert for moose wandering onto the roads and take precautions to avoid moose-vehicle accidents."

Minister Osborne also provided an update on a recent government initiative to reduce moose-vehicle collisions. In May, the departments of Environment and Conservation, and Transportation and Works launched a public awareness campaign to promote measures for safe driving and ways to avoid accidents. In the three months following the start of that campaign, there was a 13 per cent decrease in the number of reported moose-vehicle collisions. Furthermore, this year, less than one per cent of accidents resulted in severe injuries compared to an historical average of almost three per cent.

"We have seen a significant drop in the number of collisions and severity of injury during June, July and August, which is the time when the number of moose-vehicle collisions is traditionally at its highest. Clearly, our public education initiatives are making a difference and I encourage people to remain alert while traveling on our highways," said the minister. "Government takes moose-vehicle accidents very seriously and we remain committed to increasing awareness around this important issue."

Media contact: Diane Keough, Communications, (709) 729-2575, 685-4401

2005 12 22                      11:45 a.m.