Research Examines Collisions Between Vehicles and Moose
November 25, 2004 for immediate release
A unique UNBC study has found that moose collisions with vehicles are happening as often as 30 times per year within Prince George city limits.
"While
it's believed the number is on the rise, we don't really know for sure,
and we're only starting to get a good handle on where collisions are
occurring," says UNBC researcher and lab instructor Roy Rea. "With each
collision averaging just over $5000 in material damage, the problem is
an expensive one." The UNBC research team collected records and
anecdotal information from the City, RCMP, ICBC, tow truck companies,
local insurance brokers, and other agencies that have information on
moose-vehicle collisions. "We took this information and used the
records to plot collision hotspots. Our findings have shown that they
are usually in areas adjacent to greenbelts where speed limits are
higher and lighting is limited. Examples include Highway 16 near the
jail, North Nechako and Foothills, University Way, and Tyner Boulevard.
Unlike on our highways, there is no one organization responsible for
collecting information on where and when moose collisions occur within
city limits."
In fact, the research marks one of the first times anywhere that researchers have examined moose collisions with vehicles within a municipality. As a result, there is limited information on effective strategies for reducing the number of collisions. "We're recommending the development of a GIS database on the web that will allow an agency or resident to log a collision - or even a sighting - on a map. This will give us more comprehensive information for implementing appropriate counter-measures. To date, moose warning signage has been our only counter-measure in Prince George."
The research project has been supported by The City of Prince George, ICBC, Brownridge and Company Insurance Services, Sussex Insurance Agency, Nauroth & Associates Insurance Brokers, and Barton Insurance Brokers. Roy Rea has been leading two other research projects related to moose in the area: one has measured the effectiveness of brush-cutting roadside plants at different times of year to control the number of moose spending time in transportation corridors and the other, conducted in the John Prince Research Forest near Fort St James, has used motion-sensitive cameras to capture moose usage of naturally occurring mineral licks.
A unique UNBC study has found that moose collisions with vehicles are happening as often as 30 times per year within Prince George city limits.
"While
it's believed the number is on the rise, we don't really know for sure,
and we're only starting to get a good handle on where collisions are
occurring," says UNBC researcher and lab instructor Roy Rea. "With each
collision averaging just over $5000 in material damage, the problem is
an expensive one." The UNBC research team collected records and
anecdotal information from the City, RCMP, ICBC, tow truck companies,
local insurance brokers, and other agencies that have information on
moose-vehicle collisions. "We took this information and used the
records to plot collision hotspots. Our findings have shown that they
are usually in areas adjacent to greenbelts where speed limits are
higher and lighting is limited. Examples include Highway 16 near the
jail, North Nechako and Foothills, University Way, and Tyner Boulevard.
Unlike on our highways, there is no one organization responsible for
collecting information on where and when moose collisions occur within
city limits."
In fact, the research marks one of the first times anywhere that researchers have examined moose collisions with vehicles within a municipality. As a result, there is limited information on effective strategies for reducing the number of collisions. "We're recommending the development of a GIS database on the web that will allow an agency or resident to log a collision - or even a sighting - on a map. This will give us more comprehensive information for implementing appropriate counter-measures. To date, moose warning signage has been our only counter-measure in Prince George."
The research project has been supported by The City of Prince George, ICBC, Brownridge and Company Insurance Services, Sussex Insurance Agency, Nauroth & Associates Insurance Brokers, and Barton Insurance Brokers. Roy Rea has been leading two other research projects related to moose in the area: one has measured the effectiveness of brush-cutting roadside plants at different times of year to control the number of moose spending time in transportation corridors and the other, conducted in the John Prince Research Forest near Fort St James, has used motion-sensitive cameras to capture moose usage of naturally occurring mineral licks.
