Kris Bontaites, NHFG, (603) 744-5470
Jane Vachon, NHFG, (603) 271-3211
Bill Boynton, DOT, (603) 271-6495
Peter Thomson, Highway Safety, (603) 271-2131
May 3, 2006
Brake
for Moose: It Could Save Your Life
CONCORD, N.H. -- While the number of moose/vehicle collisions has been stable at approximately 250 each year for the last ten years, that's little comfort if you're one of the people involved in a collision. The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, the New Hampshire Department of Transportation and the State of New Hampshire Highway Safety Agency have joined forces to make the public more aware of the danger of moose/vehicle collisions and how they can help avoid a moose collision or reduce the chances for personal injury if a moose is hit.
"Moose are an important and much loved part of our state, but it can be dangerous to encounter them on the road. 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," said New Hampshire Fish and Game Moose Project Leader Kristine Bontaites.
When driving on New Hampshire's roads, keep these important points in mind:
 | New Hampshire's moose herd is approximately 7,000
strong. |
| Moose vehicle collisions happen statewide on all
types of roads. |
| Moose collisions happen most often from the months
of May through November. |
| While collisions happen at all times of the day and
night, most collisions happen at dusk and during the night. |
| Moose are dark brown and hard to see against
pavement. |
| Don't depend on 'eye shine' to alert you to a
moose's presence. |
| 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 forest. Make sure your moose encounters are safe for you and the moose: Brake for Moose!
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