NLIS 2
July 21, 2005
(Environment and Conservation)
(Transportation and Works)


Billboards to remind motorists of potential for moose-vehicle collisions

Environment and Conservation Minister Tom Osborne and Transportation and Works Minister Tom Rideout today announced that billboards have been installed along the Trans-Canada Highway (TCH) to remind motorists to keep an eye out for moose while driving in our province.

The new billboards are part of a public education campaign on moose-vehicle collisions announced by government in May of this year. Eight billboards have been installed at key locations along the TCH, including Ocean Pond, Goobies, Gambo, Grand Falls-Windsor, Howley, Corner Brook and Port aux Basques.

�Traditionally, July and August are the months with the greatest number of moose sighted on our highways, and the road signs will act as a reminder that moose roam our highways,� said Minister Osborne. �While roaming moose offer a great opportunity to view this majestic animal, motorists must always remain cognizant that we share our province and roadways with moose and other wildlife and, if not careful when driving, there is a potential for a moose-vehicle accident.�

Minister Rideout said, �These billboards will build on our moose awareness campaign, which includes radio ads and a Moose Alert Hotline. We believe that the installation of these billboards, along with our radio ad campaign and other educational materials, we hope to introduce in the near future, will play an effective role in our efforts to address the issue of moose-vehicle accidents.�

The billboards consist of two designs and contain the following wording: Be Wise, Slow Down, Look For Moose and Is This The Rush You Were Looking For? One of the billboards will provide the total number of moose-vehicle collisions for the previous year. The other provides an estimate of the number of accidents that have occurred so far this year based on the last three years. This number will be updated at the beginning of each month.

Both ministers also reminded the public not to approach or feed any wildlife, as they are �wild� animals and can inflict serious injury if they feel threatened. As well, feeding animals along the roadside encourages them to stay on the highway, increasing the risk of being struck by a vehicle.

Media contact:
Sonia Glover, Communications, Environment and Conservation, (709) 729-2575, 685-2575
Lori Lee Oates, Communications, Transportation and Works, (709) 729-3015, 690-8403

2005 07 21                         10:50 a.m.
 


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