(KIRKLAND LAKE, ON.) – Members of the Kirkland Lake Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) investigated four motor vehicle collisions involving moose being struck in a twenty-four hour period on the weekend. The locations of the collisions included one on Highway 11 in Marquis Township and three on Highway 66 east of Kirkland Lake in Lebel, Gauthier and McGarry Townships. No involved persons were injured in these collisions which occurred during the late evening hours on June 7 and 8, 2014. These four collisions took place at night when it was dark but drivers are advised that moose are active at any time during the day.
Police remind drivers that the moose are coming out to the shoulders and ditches to get relief from the black fly and mosquito population. Moose seek the open spaces of the highway so the breeze will keep the flies away. They also come to the ditches to get the salty water that results from winter road maintenance.
For the remainder of the spring and into the summer be attentive and watch both ahead and to the sides while driving. Moose are unpredictable and will run into the path of an approaching vehicle. If you see a moose, slow down, proceed with caution and be prepared to possibly stop.
“During this period of time, reduce your speed and drive defensively. Remember, many moose collisions have caused serious personal injuries or death. Help preserve our public’s safety as well as conserving our natural resources. They don’t know any better, we doâ€Â, states Staff/Sgt Rick Witty Kirkland Lake Ontario Provincial Police Detachment Commander.