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Autumn Driving Hazards: Elk on the Move, Icy Roads

Autumn is a time when wild elk, or moose, are on the move in Finnish forests. The Finnish Transport Agency notes that the danger posed by the large animals is especially great on highways. Another autumn danger involves slipperiness caused by freezing roads on cold nights.

Hirvi juoksee maantien yli.
Image: Yle

About 40 percent of all elk collisions take place between September and November. Last year more than 1,300 cars collided with elk, and there were nearly 3,500 collisions with deer.

The most dangerous times of day are the hours immediately before and after sunrise.

Night Frosts Bring Slippery Conditions

Falling temperatures mean that night drivers might confront icy roads. YLE meteorologist Matti Huutonen says that temperatures are expected to drop after the weekend.

Temperatures could drop as low as -3 degrees Celsius early Saturday in north-westernmost Finland.

Night frost may occur in central and northern parts of Finland on Sunday night, and lower night temperatures are expected during next week in southern areas as well.

In Finnish Lapland, sleet and snow are possible especially at night and in the morning.

Sources: YLE