Sask. Wildlife Federation urging drivers to stay alert this fall

With fall here and moose and deer on the move searching for mates during breeding season, theSaskatchewan Wildlife Federationis warning drivers thatheightened activity also increases the risk of vehicle collisions, making autumn a dangerous timeon the province's roads.

"It's mating season for deer, moose, elkand antelope,"Darrell Crabbe, the federation'sexecutive director,told CBC on Friday.

"Whitetail deer and mule deer are probablythe number 1for collisions with vehicles on our highways. So we try to really push the emphasis on having people just take a few extra minutes."

He suggests that people should keep an eye on the ditches where wildlife might be lurking and getting ready to jump out.

"A lot of people make the mistake of trying to steer around, and the recommendation from SGI[Saskatchewan Government Insurance] is that steering around could very well cause a more serious accident than if a person just held straight and brakeas quickly as you can," he said.

There have been, on average,376 injuries and one fatality per yeardue to wildlife-related vehicle collisions over the last five years, the federation said in a Thursday news release, reminding drivers to stay alert and take extra precautions.

The federation recommends reducing speed in known wildlife zones, particularly where wildlife crossing signs are posted, scanning roadsides for animal movement, and being extra careful during low-light conditions when wildlife is most active.

"By slowing down and staying alert, especially during dawn and dusk, we can significantly reduce the risk of collisions, injuries, and even fatalities," Crabbesaid in the news release.