The Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation (SWF), with support from Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) and The Saskatchewan Transportation Company (STC), is launching its 14th annual public safety awareness campaign to alert motorists to be on the lookout for wildlife on the roads.
“As more people travel for summer holidays, motorists need to be more cautious of animals crossing the highways,” says SWF Executive Director Darrell Crabbe. “We see an increase in wildlife collisions in June and July.”
The campaign, called Slow Down and Save a Buck, uses highway billboards, radio and television public service announcements, and a traveling bus board and trailer wrap to promote this highly worthwhile cause.
According to Saskatchewan Government Insurance, in 2009 there were over 6,500 collisions involving wildlife which resulted in 331 human injuries and six fatalities. On average, there are more than 10,000 claims for collisions with deer each year, which cost SGI almost $33 million annually. Even more importantly, the collisions result in hundreds of human injuries each year, and sometimes death. In most cases, the wildlife struck by vehicles are killed as well.
Motorists are also asked to look out for moose and elk while driving as there has been an increase in collisions involving these larger animals over the last few years.
Lorri Thacyk
Director of Communications and Planning
STC
529-5644 (cell)
Background Information The Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation (SWF) is a non-profit, non-governmental, charitable organization with more than 27,000 members in 120 branches throughout the province. Through its many programs, the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation has become a nationally acknowledged leader in wildlife resources protection, outdoor education, and the enhancement of recreational opportunities for all citizens of Saskatchewan. Per capita, the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation is the largest conservation organization of its kind in the world.
Our Passion PSA
For more information please contact: Darrell Crabbe, SWF Executive Director
Phone (306) 692-8812 Cell (306) 630-8780
e-mail: sask.wildlife@sasktel.net or on the web at: www.swf.sk.ca
Archived Media Releases
June 1: 2010 Canadian Online Nationals for NASP -Read More
