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Watch out for Moose
June 19, 2006
Contact: Allison Bankston Phone: 794-7124
 (Lincoln, ME--) Doctors and Maine Wardens are warning people to watch out for moose on the Maine roads. It’s becoming a major problem in the Lincoln region this season. “We’ve had numerous accidents lately that have resulted in some serious injuries,” says PVH Hospitalist Dr. David Dumont. “People should not take this risk for granted.”
The Maine Warden Service says, traditionally, there are more moose-vehicle crashes in June than any other months of the year. Roland D. Martin, Commissioner, Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, says, “Drivers need to be alert when driving in areas populated by moose, and be certain to use their seatbelts.”
Moose head for the roads for several reasons. After a long winter, their bodies crave the salt that is found along roadsides. Those are also the first areas to green up in the spring. Plus, young moose often forced away by their mothers, sometimes find themselves around the roads, drawn by the fresh, green growth.
From dusk till dawn is the peak time for moose-vehicle collisions. The moose tend to move more during the evening after the temperature starts to drop. Moose are hard to see at night. Because of their height, car headlights sometimes beam under their torsos. Moose often travel in a group, so if you see a moose on the side of the road, be prepared to encounter more of them.
Moose collisions happen in every county in the state, and they result in roughly 3 fatalities a year. During a 5-year study the Maine Warden Service, Penobscot County reported 314 accidents; Aroostook County suffered 1,090 moose-vehicle crashes, and the Waldo and Knox Counties had the least moose accidents—only 31 each from 1999 to 2003. Wardens recommend several tips to stay safe at night:
- Drivers should reduce their speed when it is dark.
- Use your high beams where it is appropriate
- Always have everyone buckle up
- Search the roadway ahead to identify potential problem
If you feel a moose-vehicle collision is inevitable, follow these suggestions from the Maine Warden Service:
- Apply the brakes
- Let off the brakes just before impact
- Aim to hit the tail portion of the moose
- Duck down to minimize injury
Above all else, this time of year, just be aware. Watch for the large animals, and don’t presume that your vehicle will protect you from a crash with a moose. |
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