Motorists in Finland have been advised to keep an extra eye out for elk (known as moose in North America) attempting to cross roads and highways over the coming autumn months.
While moose warning signs abound along the roadsides in Finland, officials caution that there are also other places where motorists should be alert for the large mammals. The European elk (Alces alces) can weigh up to 600 kilos.
Despite well-established migration routes, new logging areas and fencing can alter the animals' paths.
Additionally, the autumn brings more elk-related traffic accidents because the animals are more active. The reason for this is because hunting season begins in September, and many elk are also looking for mates at this time of year.
"Young calves in particular are searching for routes, and they may be moving in unexpected places. In the worst cases, they can even be found in city centres," Tarja Korhonen, liaison manager at the Finnish Road Safety Council's Kouvola office, told Yle.
Between 2010 and 2019, there were 25 fatal elk-related traffic accidents recorded in Finland. A majority of these incidents occurred on roads without elk crossing signs.
Few people die in collisions
Nowadays, motorists in Finland rarely die in collisions with elk.
"Cars are safer and more able to handle the weight of an elk. It's a different story if you're riding a moped or motorbike. Then you don't have the same protection as in a car. If you hit an elk on a motorbike at 100 km/h, your chances of survival are pretty slim," Korhonen noted.
The speed limit at the scene of 14 of the 25 fatal elk-vehicle collisions in the last decade was 100 km/h
"Many more fatal elk collisions have occurred in areas with higher speed limits. There have been fewer deaths in lower speed limit zones, although there have been accidents," Korhonen said.
She added that it is a good idea for motorists to lower their speed in areas marked with elk crossing signs, in the rain, in the dark or when the sun is low.
Hazard lights to alert others
In 2021, there were nearly 1,700 elk-vehicle collisions on Finnish roads, according to the Finnish Road Safety Council. Almost a third of the accidents happened between September and October, and most of them at dusk or in the dark.
Korhonen urged motorists to use their hazard lights rather than their headlights to warn other drivers of moose on the loose.
"Today's lights are so powerful that if you flash your headlights, the oncoming traffic may be blinded and not see an elk crossing the road," Korhonen cautioned.