Heightened wildlife collision risk in Outaouais authorities urge caution

Tashi Farmilo

As autumn settles over the Outaouais region, drivers face an increased risk of vehicle collisions with large animals like deer and moose, whose activity spikes during this season. The Ministère des Transports et de la Mobilité durable du Québec has identified several highways and rural roads with a higher incidence of these accidents, urging motorists to exercise heightened caution.

The ministry’s ongoing analysis has pinpointed several roads in the Outaouais where wildlife-related collisions occur more frequently, particularly in rural or forested areas. Among the most affected roads are:

• Route 148
• Route 105
• Route 301 near Campbell’s Bay and Portage-du-Fort
• Route 303, midway between Portage-du-Fort and Route 148
• Route 305
• Route 307, from Chelsea to Val-des-Bois
• Route 315, between Buckingham and Mulgrave-et-Derry
• Route 321, from Chénéville to Duhamel
• Route 323
• Route 117
• Autoroutes 50 and 5

“These routes are known for wildlife collisions, but animals don’t follow boundaries,” says Marie-Josée Audet of the ministry. “They can appear anywhere, so drivers must adjust, especially in rural areas where vegetation is close to the road.”

The ministry highlights fall and spring as peak times for wildlife movement, particularly at dawn and dusk, when animals are most active. “Fall is especially risky, with animals migrating or mating, which increases the likelihood of them crossing roads,” Audet notes. Although this surge in activity is seasonal, it doesn’t mean more animals are present. “We aren’t seeing more wildlife overall, but their movement spikes during these periods, raising the risk of collisions,” she explains.

In response, the Ministère des Transports advises motorists to slow down, stay focused, and use proper lighting in low-visibility conditions. “The best defence is vigilance,” Audet stresses. “Simple actions, like reducing speed in heavily wooded areas and watching for wildlife signs, can make a big difference. Ultimately, responsible driving is key.”

As wildlife activity increases, the ministry urges all drivers to “stay alert, drive carefully, and expect the unexpected.”