Spatial and Temporal Distributions of Moose-Vehicle Collisions in Newfoundland

In Newfoundland, 5,422 moose-vehicle collisions (MVCs) occurred between 1988 and 1994, resulting in 14 human and approximately 4,800 moose (Alces alces) fatalities. The authors examined daily, seasonal, and spatial distribution patterns of MVCs and used log-linear modeling to assess effects of darkness, posted speed limits, road condition, vehicle occupants, and road alignment on severity of human injury resulting from such collisions. Seventy-five percent of all MVCs occurred between dusk and dawn. The authors found no differences among diurnal patterns of MVCs involving moose of different sex and age groups. Seasonally, 70% of MVCs occurred between June and October and peak accident periods differed somewhat among moose age classes (calf, yearling, adult). However, the authors found no seasonal differences between males and females. Spatially, MVCs were dependent on moose densities and traffic volume, with greater probability of MVCs in areas of high or low (but not moderate) moose densities and high traffic flow. Risk of severe human injury was 2.0 times greater at highway speeds ranging from 80 to 100 km/hour and 2.1 times greater at night. Human injuries were more severe for MVCs occurring when road conditions were dry and when passengers were present. We found no relationship between road alignment and injury severity, although 79% of MVCs occurred on straight sections of highway. The predominant influence of darkness on MVCs may result from low light conditions and increased movement of moose at night. The high occurrence of MVCs under dry road conditions and on straight sections of road was surprising and may indicate inadequate driver attention to potential road hazards. The authors suggest that a long-term driver education program may be the only viable mitigation effort available to reduce number of MVCs.