Chena Hot Springs Road Car & Moose-Car Accidents

The Dangers of Moose-Car Accidents on Alaska’s Roadways

Whether you’re headed to Chena Hot Springs Resort for a weekend getaway or just traveling down Chena Hot Springs Road, this is a common drive for both Alaska residents and visitors. The scenery is beautiful, especially when the road enters Chena River State Recreation Area. But people aren’t the only creatures who travel along this road. Moose thrive in this area of Alaska and sometimes wander near the road in search of food. Unfortunately, this means that Chena Hot Springs Road is a hot spot for moose-vehicle collisions that can result in injury or death for you and/or the animal, as well as significant damage to your vehicle. As personal injury attorneys, we at Ringstad Law Office, P.C. have seen many injured drivers and passengers from moose-car accidents on Alaska’s roadways, and we want to make you very aware of this common threat.

Humans have shared the roads with these animals in Alaska for quite some time, so it is not surprising that we have the highest rate of moose-vehicle crashes in the world. In fact, moose and people prefer similar habitats: low-lying, green areas near rivers and streams. If you live in Alaska, then you’ve likely come in contact with this creature more than once. Our roads often cut through their homes, which creates the biggest safety hazard for people and wildlife. According to How Stuff Works, from 1996 to 2006, 17 people died from moose-related car crashes. But they have it worse than we do: about 130 moose die every year from collisions with cars in Anchorage, Alaska, alone.

Click Here Or The Image Above To View Our Infographic About Moose Crashes

Wildlife and roadway researchers have studied moose behavior and accidents for years in an attempt to reduce the number of moose-vehicle collisions on busy roads like Chena Hot Springs Road. Based off their research, there is a good amount of information to know that might reduce your risk of hitting a moose this year.

First, it’s important to understand when you are most likely to hit a moose. While it is impossible to predict exactly when these creatures will make their way to a road or highway, research has revealed when and why they are most likely to hang out in and around the road.

Weather Is a Big Factor In Moose-Car Accidents

According to a study by the State of Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, there is a spike in moose accidents in December and January. Winter months are a more hazardous time for both driver and animal.

In the winter, drivers’ visibility on roadways is reduced considerably. When the road has a layer of snow on it, or there is snow falling from the sky, you’re likely going to be more focused on navigating the road with your vehicle without sliding off than you are going to be focused on potential wildlife. In winter road conditions, wildlife may not even enter your line of sight before it is too late.

The situation is similar for moose. In the winter, deep snow can make it difficult for them to navigate their terrain and walking through it can make them tired. They often make their way to more clear roadsides for some relief from the deep snow.

In addition to all this, Alaska is dark in the winter. With less daylight, there is even less visibility and everyone must navigate the Alaskan terrain with reduced visibility.

There is another peak in moose-car accidents in the summer, from June to August. According to researchers, this might be because there is an increase in traffic volumes on rural roads, like Chena Hot Springs Road, in the summertime due to an increase in tourism and a more general willingness and ability to travel the roadways. Additionally, June is the month when moose cows are most active with their newborn calves.

So, are there any safe seasons for travel on the roadways that we share? According to the research, the safest months are April and May. In these months, the animals are less active near roadways, resulting in considerably less accidents.