A passenger vehicle struck a moose on the highway and was then rear-ended by a pickup truck
Another reminder today of how dangerous wildlife on highways can be.
A moose collision on Highway 64 in French River yesterday morning sent two people to the hospital, one with serious, non-life-threatening injuries, another with minor injuries.
On Sunday at 8:30 a.m., Nipissing West OPP responded to a two-vehicle collision after a passenger vehicle struck a moose on the highway and was then rear-ended by a pickup truck.
Both drivers were taken to an area hospital. The driver of the passenger vehicle that hit the moose suffered serious injuries.
Highway 64 was closed for just under five hours while police investigated.
The highway has since reopened.
The accident follows one earlier this week on Highway 17, west of the Highway 144 junction. that killed a Sudbury man.
In that case, a 20-year-old driver was pronounced deceased at the scene, and the eastbound lanes of Highway 17 were closed for approximately eight hours while police examined the scene.
See: Sudburian dead after collision with a moose on Highway 17
Police say moose and other wildlife can be particularly active near roadways, especially during dawn and dusk.
“Drivers are reminded to remain alert, reduce their speed when wildlife is present or suspected to be nearby, and watch for additional animals, as moose often travel in groups,” says a release.
“If a moose enters the roadway, brake firmly and stay in your lane. Avoid swerving, as sudden manoeuvres can result in a loss of control or a collision with another vehicle.”