Each year there are hundreds of moose accidents in New Hampshire, most occuring in the Northern part of the state. Many of these costly accidents result in injury or death to the occupants of the vehicle. We urge all drivers to use caution when traveling on our roads, especially at dusk and dawn. All those brake for moose signs you see around are put up for a reason. Also note all the rubber marks you see on the road from other vehicles coming to a fast stop to avoid a moose.

Moose facts / Safety tips from N.H. Fish and Game:

*The average moose weighs 1,000 lbs.

*Moose are hard to see at night. They are 6 feet tall at the shoulder and your headlights will often only reveal their legs, which are the same color as the pavement. Their height also means that if you hit one, the bulk of a moose will fall on your windshield and roof.

*Don't count on seeing "eye shine." Moose eyes do reflect light, but your headlights won't reach that high.

*From April to November, moose are very active and the highest numbers of moose-vehicle collisions occur. In spring, yearlings have just been separated from their mothers and are apt to show up anywhere at anytime. In fall, moose are on the move because it's their mating season.

*Try not to drive faster than 55 mph. There is a strong correlation between speed and the severity of an accident.

*Wear your seatbelt.

*Scan the sides of the roads.

*Don't count on moose stopping when they see you. They are very unpredictable. Stop the car if necessary and wait.