Sharing the Road: Some Tips for Visitors and Residents Summer is prime vacation time, and B.C. is a beautiful province with a wonderful variety of scenery.

There's something new to see around every bend ... and it may not be something you are expecting!

Here are two important reminders for visitors and residents:

• Be extra patient and careful. Always remember: other motorists and cyclists around you may not be familiar with the route. They may make mistakes or stop suddenly.
• Drivers must keep their eyes on the road. Find a safe place to pull over and stop to appreciate the natural beauty. Watch for signs that indicate the designated pulloffs to special viewpoints of interest. These are designed for safe and easy access. Many also provide information about local history and geography.

Overhead Message Signs In many areas of the province, motorists are alerted to the latest road conditions by electronic overhead message signs.

These signs are highly visible and are automatically updated as conditions change.

Watch for them once you're on the road.

How to Avoid Collisions with B.C.'s Wild Creatures Traveling B.C. roads, you are likely to see many different animals: from huge moose to small porcupines. In the summer many young creatures become more mobile, and they are likely to join their parents crossing the road to find new habitat. They're beautiful and entertaining to watch. But wildlife and cars on the road together can be a lethal mix. Hitting an animal is not just emotionally upsetting. Even a smaller animal can damage a vehicle. A larger animal can cause a serious collision. Here are some ideas on how to avoid hitting them:

• Be extra careful in the early morning or at dusk and during the night. These times are when animals are most likely to be on the road.
• Slow down and look ahead into the ditch for movement or for the reflection of animal eyes in your headlights.
• Some animals, especially deer, may panic when they see your headlights and may freeze in the road. If you see an animal, slow down until you are well past them.
• Moose will often attempt to escape from a car by continuing to run along the road. This may pose a hazard to other drivers. If it is safe to do so, pull over or slow to a very low speed until the animal leaves the road.
• Many animals travel in groups. If you see one on the road, slow down -- there may be more following.
• If you see a large dead animal in the road, please call the police or the local Ministry of Transportation and Highways office. We need to remove the body from the traffic lanes before it causes an accident.
• Above all, watch for the wildlife warning signs, which are posted at areas where experience shows animals are likely to be on the road.