It was a question that just popped into my head this morning as a swerved around a deer on the highway. Does size matter when it comes to braking for wildlife?
This was the second morning this week I had to avoid wildlife. With the first, I slowed a bit and pulled over to one side to allow room for a family of ducks to cross the road. It’s something that has long mystified me. We have hundreds of beautiful lakes and streams in this province. Why do ducks decide to nest in a ditch along the highway? It doesn’t really seem like the safest option.
But they do nest in ditches, then take the family out for the occasional walk across the road. In this case, Mama Duck had her waddle in high gear and got everyone across safely, but the fact that my first reaction was to move my foot toward the brake bothered me. We’re not supposed to do that.
There have been a few cases where people have been charged for stopping for ducks and causing accidents. One major case in particular. But ducks are pretty small, so maybe it’s understandable that if it’s a choice between a duckling or two and people, the ducklings have to go. It makes sense.
But does that apply to all animals?
Let’s face it, some animals are going to make you stop no matter what. If a bear is standing in the middle of the road, you will stop. Even if you don’t try to stop, you most likely will stop. Bears are pretty solid. They’re going to leave a mark if you hit them. And they’re a little larger than your average speed bump. If you fail to stop for a bear, the bear is likely to stop you.
The thing is, that means the law can not be applied equally across all wildlife. A duckling won’t do much to your vehicle. A raccoon might leave a small dent. A deer, a larger dent. A bear or a moose? That’s going to bring you up short.
So while it may be against the law to stop for a duck, you pretty much have to stop for a bear.
I’m not sure how the law views this. And since there was no law degree as a prize in my cereal box this morning (I checked) I’m really not sure what the legal implications are.
I try to avoid all wildlife as best I can. But if I see something large, my brakes are going on.
When it comes to things you might hit with your vehicle, size does matter.