As spring unfolds across British Columbia, so too does the seasonal spike in wildlife-related collisions on highways—and Vancouver Island is no exception.
New data released by ICBC shows that in 2023 alone, there were over 12,825 animal-related crashes across the province, resulting in 1,070 injuries.
Of those, more than 2,200 incidents occurred on Vancouver Island, including surrounding Gulf Islands and coastal communities like Powell River.
“Animals don’t follow traffic rules,” says Trace Acres, program director for Road Safety at Work.
“Even a small deer can cause a serious crash, and it often happens before the driver has time to react.”
Deer and moose activity on the rise
With May marking peak season for deer on the move, drivers are being urged to use extra caution—especially at dawn and dusk, when animals are most active and visibility is reduced.
Moose activity also increases in June and July, particularly in more rural parts of the Island and along inland routes where thick vegetation borders highways.
Wildlife often emerge to feed along the roadside or cross between forested areas. Crashes are particularly common near greenbelts, farmlands, golf courses, and parks.
Regional breakdown (2019–2023 average):
- Vancouver Island region: 2,207 crashes per year, 185 injuries
- Southern Interior: 5,086 crashes, 439 injuries
- North Central BC: 2,989 crashes, 255 injuries
- Lower Mainland: 1,239 crashes, 110 injuries
While drivers can’t control where or when animals appear, Acres says there are key steps they can take to stay safe:
- Slow down in known wildlife areas, especially where signs are posted
- Scan roadsides and ditches for movement
- Avoid swerving to miss an animal, as this can cause more severe crashes
- Use high beams when safe to do so, and watch for shining eyes
- Be cautious at dawn and dusk, roughly 6–8 a.m. and 5–8 p.m.
- Warn other drivers of nearby wildlife using flashers or headlights
“The safest thing you can do is drive in a way that gives you more time and space to react,” Acres adds.
For workers who drive as part of their job, wildlife collisions are just one of many potential hazards on the road. Road Safety at Work encourages employers to include wildlife safety in their training programs, incorporate trip planning to avoid high-risk routes, and ensure employees are aware of the dangers during peak wildlife seasons.
