Robert Belley credits the metal bars on his truck with saving his life after he and his wife collided with a moose near Lanigan in 2024. The impact left him with severe injuries, making it difficult for him to work and impacting his income. Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) is cautioning the public about the increased risk of wildlife collisions during this time of the year.
SGI reports around 8,800 wildlife-related accidents annually in the province, resulting in an average of 400 injuries and two fatalities over five years. Belley emphasizes the seriousness of these incidents, highlighting the potential for life-altering consequences or even death. He urges drivers to exercise caution and reduce speed on highways to prevent such accidents.
Troy Corbett, SGI’s director of traffic safety community engagement, notes that fall is a peak period for wildlife collisions, especially involving deer. He advises drivers to be vigilant, slow down, watch for wildlife signs, and use high beams when necessary. Corbett recommends staying calm, reducing speed, and steering away from animals if a collision is inevitable.
SGI further suggests steering towards the animal’s original location rather than its current path and exercising extra caution during dawn and dusk when visibility is reduced. Bonnie Dell, executive director of the Wildlife Rescue Society of Saskatchewan, stresses the importance of promptly contacting their organization in case of wildlife collisions to ensure proper care for injured animals.
Bernie Borgmann, owner of Hooker’s Towing and Recovery, shares his experience of responding to wildlife-related incidents, estimating that 10 to 20 percent of his calls involve such accidents. He describes the impact of these collisions as akin to hitting a solid wall, emphasizing the need for drivers to be aware of the risks and hazards posed by wildlife on the roads.
