Spring Awakens: Essential Wildlife Safety Tips for Motorists on B.C. Interior Roads

As spring arrives, both people and animals emerge. In British Columbia’s Southern Interior, this shift means a troubling rise in vehicle-wildlife collisions. Each year, over 5,000 of these accidents occur, causing hundreds of injuries and even fatalities.

According to Road Safety at Work, a program funded by WorkSafeBC, the problem is growing. In 2023, B.C. reported a five-year high of 5,548 wildlife collisions, resulting in 472 human injuries and two tragic deaths. “Even a small deer can lead to a serious crash,” warns Trace Acres, the program director. “Drivers often don’t have time to react.”

Statistically, May sees the most deer activity, while moose become more active in June and July. Collisions peak during dawn and dusk, around 6 to 8 a.m. and 5 to 8 p.m., making visibility tricky.

Areas near rural highways or green spaces, such as parks and farmland, are particularly risky. To reduce the likelihood of accidents, Road Safety at Work suggests avoiding these areas during peak animal movement times. Motorists should be vigilant for animal crossing signs and scan the roadside carefully. If you see wildlife, slow down, don’t swerve, and warn others using your hazard lights.

Employers can also play a role. By addressing wildlife hazards in their safe-driving policies, they can help protect employees who drive for work. Keeping these points in mind can make a significant difference.

Ultimately, staying alert while driving is crucial. “The best protection is to drive defensively,” Acres advises. “More time and space allow for better reactions.”

For more tips on safe driving, visit Road Safety at Work.

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Wildlife|ICBC safety|Road safety