Over the years I've seen evidence of run-ins with wildlife on the road but I didn't think it would happen to me.
I suppose no one believes they will be the one behind the wheel when a beast bolts out of the ditch and into their path. Time seems to change when a large dark animal steps directly in front of a vehicle, defensive driving skills kick in and at the last fraction of a second I'm pretty sure I must have squeezed my eyes shut to prevent damage from possible broken glass.
I was lucky, I had already slowed down. I saw the creature as it started onto the highway, I slowed more, saw no traffic around me and swerved, the moose just bounced off the passenger headlight, hit the windshield and broke the mirror.
I pulled over and sat on the shoulder for a couple of minutes to compose myself. I wasn't sure if my car would be driveable or where the animal was. Looking out the rear view mirror I saw the two moose cross the next ditch behind me and walk down the street into Lashburn.
I'd never imagined I'd be involved in an accident with a moose, but it was even stranger to think of meeting one so close to residential homes. I pulled into the gas station to wait for my husband to bring me another vehicle and spoke to the young people there. One told me there had been four moose in their yard but the number had fallen to two.
I immediately thought, "why wasn't there a big flashing sign saying 'moose crossing?'"
I realize every kilometre of highway has wildlife crossing on a regular basis, but if a family of large animals has settled in a small town the probability of them being hit by a car must rise significantly, risking the health of drivers and the animals.
It was odd when Reg traded me vehicles, bringing me his half ton knowing I don't really like to drive it.
"It has a package policy in case you hit something else tonight," he joked, knowing we'd have to cover the deductible on the car to have the headlight, bumper, windshield, hood and mirror repaired.
He wasn't as surprised as I was that I was in the accident pointing out how often I drive at night and how many kilometres I drive in a year.
I can't stop driving, it is the nature of living in a rural community, but I can be grateful for a well-built automobile to protect me and my driving skills. Wishing you all safety on the road as well.
