Moose vs car near Taggart

Morgan County Fire & EMS volunteers were dispatched to a traffic accident on I-84 just before the Taggart exit Jan. 13 at 6:21 p.m. According to a social media post from the Morgan Fire and EMS, “A father and son were traveling west bound in a small compact car. As they approached the bridge crossing near Taggart’s, their car collided with a large moose attempting to cross the freeway. Details from dispatch told us that both the father and son reported to be trapped inside their now disabled vehicle. They were able to self-extricate through a car window before emergency crews arrived. Ambulance 121 assessed both patients for trauma and later released the father and son to family members. The driver estimated they collided with the moose at 70 MPH. The moose was not so lucky. Crews from Engine 122 assisted in the removal of the dead moose.”

With a moose being a very large creature that can stand over seven feet tall and weigh over a thousand pounds, this time of year they are looking for food and water in the lower valley and often cross a road at the wrong time, coming into contact with a car. 

Fire officials caution everyone to slow down. “The most important way to avoid collisions with wildlife is to slow down and observe the speed limit. The most effective way to avoid a collision is to keep your eyes on the road.  At night, look for glowing eyes (“eye-shine”) of animals in the distance. Enlist your passengers to help you watch for wildlife on or near the road as well. Four eyes are better than two. Your high-beam lights are there for a reason, don’t be afraid to use them. Brighter lights will increase your visibility. Just be courteous and be sure to turn them off when an oncoming car is traveling within 500 feet of you.”