FREE Every Friday
No. 4
Friday January 29, 2010
The Arjeplog Times Your weekly paper with news, views & interviews. Since 90/91. 19th season
Moose - the Greatest Danger on Empty Roads The danger of hitting a moose with your car is greater than you think. Last year 673 moose were killed in traffic accidents in the counties of Västerbotten and Norrbotten. 5761 moose were killed in the whole of Sweden during 2009. People involved in moose accidents often remember two things: It came from nowhere and it was enormous.
A moose can weigh 500 kilos and it is over one metre high under its belly so it often ends up over or inside the car. Many people are killed and injured in accidents with a moose. Most accidents occur during the dark months from November to February. Many car testers are involved in accidents where animals are present. There are some things you can do in order to avoid adding to the scary statistics. Slow down when driving at dawn, dusk or when it is dark. This is the time when the animals are most active. Regardless of skill and vehicle, speed does make a difference. Look for the animals and use your imagination. Widen your vision to include the surroundings as well as the road. Hunters and locals are less prone to accidents because they are used to looking out for animals and they also recognise any change in the forest. Respect the warning signs and be cautious when you see animal tracks in the snow. Even bits of loose snow
Moose are the biggest danger on the roads around here. A fully grown moose can weigh 500 kilos and be more than two metres tall.
on the road can be a sign of animals crossing. In a collision situation, if you have a chance aim for the back of the animal. If a moose comes from the right it is correct to assume that it will continue to the left. During the day, when visibility is good, keep your eyes open for tracks. They are tell-tale signs of where the animals like to hang out. Remember these places when the visibility is bad, as animals are creatures of habit, just like we are. If you have an accident, there are a few things you should do. Warn others by putting out warning
triangles. Report the accident to the police, phone 112. Explain exactly where you are and mark the place so it can be easily found. This is required by law. If the animal is alive but wounded you must kill it, if you know what you are doing. Otherwise leave it alone. If the animal has left the scene, do not walk in its tracks. Dogs might have to be used to find it. If the animal is dead try to pull it off the road. Even if the animal seems unharmed, you still have to report the collision to the emergency services at 112. Be aware and keep your eyes open at all times and reduce speed.
INSIDE: Darren Jone s, Land Rover on the Hot Se at; Mee t Preben, the baker at ICA; Usef ul info; What’s on?