CONTACT:
Kristine Rines: (603) 744-5470
May 15, 2018
CONCORD, NH — Remember to brake for moose when traveling New Hampshire roadways. There were 107 moose/vehicle collisions in New Hampshire in 2017; in the last five years the state has averaged 125 per year. While moose get hit in all months, the months of May through October are high-risk months for encountering moose on the roads, as moose come out to the roads to eat salt during these months.
The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is working to make people more aware of the danger of moose/vehicle collisions. Step number one is to learn what you can do to reduce the chance of being involved in an accident with a moose.
“Moose are an important and much loved part of our state, but it can be dangerous to encounter them on the road,” said New Hampshire Fish and Game Moose Project Leader Kristine Rines. “By following a few simple rules, motorists can greatly reduce their chance of a moose/vehicle collision or the severity of personal injury if they do hit a moose.”
When driving on New Hampshire roads, keep these points in mind:
- Moose vehicle collisions happen statewide on all types of roads.
- Moose collisions happen most often from May through October.
- While collisions can happen at any time of day, they occur most frequently at dusk and at night.
- Moose are dark brown, making them hard to see against pavement, especially at night.
- Don’t depend on “eye shine” (reflected light from headlights) to alert you to a moose’s presence. Moose don’t always look at an approaching vehicle.
- To reduce the chance of a collision – or the severity of occupant injury if you do hit a moose:
- Drive no faster than 55 mph, and wear your seatbelt;
- Scan the sides of the road;
- Be able to stop within the zone of your headlights;
- Use high beams whenever possible;
- If you see a moose, slow down or stop if necessary, until you have passed it or it has left the road.
New Hampshire residents and visitors love to see moose and enjoy sharing the state with these largest denizens of the northern forest. Learn more at www.wildnh.com/wildlife/moose/brake-for-moose.html. Make sure your moose encounters are safe for you and the moose: Brake for Moose — It could save your life!