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Watch for wildlife on local highways

Drivers are advised to watch out for deer, elk, and other animals on local roads and highways, particularly along Highways 1, 3, 93, and 9

Drivers are advised to watch out for deer, elk, and other animals on local roads and highways, particularly along Highways 1, 3, 93, and 95 where many wildlife vehicle collisions occur. The critical times to watch for wildlife on the roads are between 5 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. when animals are most active, light levels change, and traffic is higher as people drive to and from work.

Annually, in B.C.’s southern interior, about two people are killed and 180 people are injured in animal-related vehicle collisions.

Recent information from the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure places several stretches of Highway 3 and Highway 93 in the top ten list of highway corridors where high numbers of wildlife collisions occur.

The Wildlife Collision Prevention Program offers the following hints for the highway.

• Both drivers and passengers must actively watch for wildlife on the road and roadside area.

• People think of the road as a dangerous place, but, in fact, animals are often attracted to the road and roadside area.

• Deer are often seen in groups, so if there is one animal there are usually more. The deer you are watching may not be the one that poses a threat