The Wildlife Collision Prevention Program (WCPP) works to prevent wildlife vehicle collisions (WVCs) in the province of British Columbia though public awareness, driver education, and working with research, industry and government partners.
Not a pretty sight, and not usually a topic for discussion, but in British Columbia perhaps it should be talked about more often.
When you are driving in BC, one of the main attractions is the opportunity to view its varied and abundant wildlife. However, because human travel corridors and animal travel routes frequently occur along the same valley bottoms, this concentration of human activity and wildlife leads to a high potential for a wildlife vehicle collision, which can happen anywhere, and at anytime.
Sadly, each year in BC, over 24,400 animals are hit by vehicles and 6,100 are killed. As well as the loss of wildlife, every year, 3 people are killed and 650 people are injured in this type of collision.
The intention of the WCPP is to make BC's highways safer for both people and wildlife. There is a lot motorists can do to improve their chances of avoiding a wildlife vehicle collision.
This is what you need to know to avoid a wildlife collision...
What are common locations?
When do collisions occur?
How can drivers reduce the chances of having a collision?
What should drivers do if they see wildlife on the road?
What if a collision is inevitable?
What should drivers do if they do have a collision?
What do drivers need to know about wildlife?
What are some common myths about wildlife collisions?
You should know more about the wildlife that share the road with you.
WCPP partnered with Road Safety at Work and the BC Forest Safety Council to offer a webinar which covers why animals are attracted to the road, the frequency and consequences of wildlife collisions, when and where wildlife collision commonly occur, and practical measures that drivers and employers can take to anticipate and avoid collisions with wildlife.
Find out why deer really do freeze in the headlights and why deer whistles don't work!
This Preventing Collisions with Wildlife webinar can be accessed here.
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WCPP thanks all of our partners for helping us to achieve our public safety and wildlife protection goals.
Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative
Road Safety at Work
BC Forest Safety Council
CKPG TV
101.3 The River
99.3 The Drive
Shell Canada Limited, Social Investment Program
ICBC
Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program
Samsara
We also acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia, Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch
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