Brake for Moose: It Could Save Your
Life
New Hampshire is famous for its moose, but having these massive
mammals in abundance can also lead to dangerous and costly moose-vehicle
collisions. Each year, there are roughly 250 moose-related accidents
in the Granite State, many resulting in injuries or death to drivers
and passengers. N.H. Fish and Game wildlife officials and law enforcement
officers urge drivers to use caution when on the roads, especially
at dusk and dawn, for your safety and that of the moose. Here is
some important information to keep in mind when driving in New
Hampshire:
-
New Hampshire's moose herd is approximately 6,000
strong.
-
The average moose weighs 1,000 lbs.
-
Moose are hard to see at night. They are 6 feet tall
at the shoulder and your headlights will often only reveal their
legs, which are
the same color as the pavement. Their height also means that if
you hit one, the bulk of a moose will fall on your windshield and
roof.
-
Don't count on seeing "eye shine." Moose
eyes do reflect light, but your headlights won't reach that
high.
-
From April to November, moose are very active and
the highest numbers of moose-vehicle collisions occur. In spring,
yearlings
have just been separated from their mothers and are apt to show
up anywhere at anytime. In fall, moose are on the move because
it's their mating season.
-
Moose are attracted to salt licks caused by winter
road management, so it is not surprising to see them on or very
near the road.
Fish and Game Moose Project Leader Kris Rines
offers up some tips for safe driving in moose country:
- Most
collisions happen at dawn or dusk,
but they can happen at any time of day. Stay alert!
- Collisions occur statewide and on all types of
roads, from highways to backroads.
- Try not to drive faster than
55 mph. There is a strong correlation between speed and the
severity of an accident.
- Wear your seatbelt.
- Scan the sides of the roads.
- Use high beams whenever possible.
- Don't count on moose stopping
when they see you. They are very unpredictable. Stop the car
if necessary and wait.
- Be particularly attentive
and drive slowly where moose road crossing signs are posted.
But remember moose cross
the road wherever
they like!
Residents and visitors both love to see these New Hampshire denizens,
so please make sure you take all necessary precautions when out
on the roadways. Remember: Brake for Moose!
Improving Our Chances After a request from Littleton Regional Hospital
emergency room physician Dr. Campbell McLaren to investigate methods
for preventing moose-vehicle collisions,
the N.H. Fish and Game Department, N.H. Department of Transportation
and State of New Hampshire Highway Safety Agency have developed
a comprehensive
outreach plan to reduce both the number and severity of these accidents
in the Granite State. The plan includes increased highway
lighting; placement
of scrolling-message highway signs; the production of a driver-education
video; distribution of "Brake for Moose" bumper stickers;
public service announcements and news releases. The partnering
agencies are working
toward raising awareness and teaching ways to reduce motorists'
chances of hitting a moose on New Hampshire roads.
New Hampshire's award-winning "Brake for Moose" campaign
is a collaborative effort of the N.H. Fish and Game Department,
N.H. Department of Transportation and State of New Hampshire
Highway Safety Agency.
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