Risk Management: Wildlife Collision Awareness

Published: October 2026 | Version: 1.0 | Last updated: October 2026

Applies to: Municipalities and municipal staff who operate vehicles as part of their work

Purpose: This bulletin provides operational practices and driving strategies to help municipalities reduce wildlife collision risks and respond effectively when collisions occur.

Most drivers have seen the damage caused by a wildlife collision or travelling on a road where one has occurred. As the seasons change, RMA Insurance recognizes the importance of the seasonal operational risks that municipalities must manage.

Fall brings new challenges, especially for municipal staff whose work involves driving. Morning and evening commutes take place in increased darkness, and wildlife is on the move for rutting and habitat-related reasons. Hunting season can also cause animals to move more frequently. With harvest underway, wildlife using fields and rural roads may be more active, while increased agricultural traffic creates another road hazard.

Wildlife collisions can cause major damage and leave vehicles inoperable in remote or high-risk locations. Larger wildlife, such as moose or bears, can cause irreparable damage, injury, or loss of life. Vehicle repairs and replacements can also result in months of downtime for municipalities.

The following safety and collision awareness tips can help support a safe and incident-free fall and winter season.

High-risk times and places

To help avoid wildlife collisions, remain alert during peak activity times, watch for eye shine along the roadside, and brake firmly in your lane rather than swerve.

Dawn and dusk: Animals such as deer are most active during low-light hours
Fall season: Collisions increase during October and November due to mating and migration
Road features: Watch closely near water bodies, river valleys, forest transitions, and areas with wildlife warning signs

Safety, liability, and compliance

Develop a standard operating procedure or administrative directive for driving that includes wildlife awareness
If a procedure already exists, ensure all staff know about it and managers communicate it through an internal website, Microsoft Teams, email, or another internal channel
Follow working-alone procedures and check in periodically when working alone
Consider wildlife bumpers for vehicles larger than one ton
Maintain clear and practiced incident-reporting procedures
Check with RMA Insurance to confirm that all municipal vehicles have comprehensive coverage, as wildlife impacts are covered under comprehensive coverage rather than collision coverage
Consider reviewing coverage during renewal
Report damage incidents to RMA Insurance when damages exceed your internal reporting threshold

Effective operational practices and driving strategies

Driving strategies

Use high beams: Use high beams when there is no oncoming traffic to help identify eye shine reflecting from the ditches
Expect more than one animal: If one animal crosses the road, watch for others travelling close behind
Do not swerve: Brake firmly and remain in your lane. Swerving can cause you to lose control or collide with oncoming traffic

Organizational risk controls

Check local resources: Review regional safety programs, such as the Alberta Wildlife Watch Program, for local data and mitigation updates
Recruit qualified drivers: Hire staff with rural driving experience and experience relevant to their assigned operational tasks
Provide comprehensive training: Provide online training videos and defensive driving training if wildlife or collision concerns continue
Consider animal fencing and crossings: Consider fencing, animal crossing signs, and wildlife crossing structures in areas with frequent large wildlife crossings

Vehicle checks and inspections

Daily checks

Walk around the vehicle to ensure the headlights, taillights, and windshield are clean and free of mud

Immediate on-scene safety inspection

Before attempting to drive away, pull over safely, activate the hazard lights, and inspect the vehicle
Fluid leaks: Check beneath the engine compartment for leaking coolant or oil, as striking a large animal can rupture the radiator
Tire and wheel clearance: Ensure the bumper or fender liners have not been pushed into the tires, which could cause a blowout while driving
Lights: Confirm that the headlights, turn signals, and hazard lights still work, especially if the collision occurred at dawn, dusk, or night
Drivability: Do not drive if the steering feels loose, the vehicle pulls strongly to one side, or fluids are actively leaking and call roadside assistance immediately

Professional structural and insurance inspections

Even if the vehicle appears drivable, a wildlife impact may cause hidden damage behind plastic bumper covers.

Comprehensive mechanical inspection: Have a professional mechanic or collision specialist inspecting internal components such as the radiator support core, air-conditioning condenser, hidden sensors, and frame alignment
Insurance claim inspection: Wildlife collisions in Alberta are covered under the comprehensive portion of an automobile insurance policy and the insurer will require an official inspection and estimate from an approved auto body shop before authorizing repairs
Reporting requirements: If total property damage to the vehicle and any surrounding property exceeds $5,000, file a collision report with the police and obtain a damage sticker before the vehicle is repaired by an auto body shop

What to do after a wildlife collision

Wildlife collisions can be stressful and may create additional hazards for drivers and other road users. A clear response plan can help protect employees’ safety and support effective incident reporting.

Move to a safe location: If it is safe and the vehicle is operable, pull over to a secure location away from traffic
Activate the hazard lights: Turn on the hazard lights to alert other motorists and improve visibility
Assess for injuries: Check yourself and any passengers for injuries. Call 911 or emergency services immediately if medical assistance is required
Do not approach wildlife: Never approach an injured or distressed animal. Wildlife can behave unpredictably and may pose a serious safety risk
Report roadway hazards: Contact local authorities if the animal remains on the roadway or creates a hazard for other motorists
Document the incident: Photograph the vehicle damage, surrounding area, road conditions, and other relevant details that may assist with reporting and insurance claims
Notify your supervisor: Report the incident as soon as practical. Follow all municipal incident reporting and documentation procedures

Following these steps can help protect employees, support efficient claims processing, and reduce the operational effects of wildlife collisions.

Wildlife collision awareness quick checklist

Driving procedures include wildlife awareness
Staff know where to find applicable driving procedures
Working alone procedures and check-ins are followed
Incident-reporting procedures are clear and practiced
Vehicle coverage has been reviewed with RMA Insurance
Drivers remain alert at dawn, dusk, and in areas with wildlife warning signs
Drivers know to brake firmly rather than swerve
Vehicle lights, windows, and mirrors are clean and functional
Vehicles are inspected after a wildlife collision
Injuries, roadway hazards, and vehicle damage are reported
Collision scenes and vehicle damage are documented
Supervisors are notified as soon as practical
Additional resources and information
Alberta Wildlife Watch: Animal-Vehicle Collision Safety Program
Wildlife Road Safety Tips, Alberta Motor Association
Wildlife Collision Prevention Program safety tips

Summary

Implementing these risk controls can help protect municipal staff and reduce the operational risks and hazards associated with wildlife collisions.

Additional Resources

Questions?

For more information, contact your Risk Advisor or the Risk Team at risk@rmainsurance.com. This bulletin is provided by RMA Insurance for general information only. It is based on our understanding of current law and practice as of the date of publication and does not constitute legal, regulatory, automotive, or other professional advice, or an interpretation of any insurance policy. Coverage is governed solely by the terms of your policy. Municipalities remain responsible for complying with their legal obligations and determining the measures appropriate for their operations. Any use of this information is at the reader’s discretion. For advice on your specific situation, contact your RMA Risk Advisor or legal counsel.