MANNING — Mounties say paying attention while driving likely saved an Alberta driver from death or major injuries in a crash with a moose.
Kevin McFadgen was driving to work early Tuesday on Highway 35 south of Manning.
Police say a semi passed his vehicle, causing a whiteout, so McFadgen slowed his vehicle, and then saw a moose in his lane.
There was no time to avoid a crash, but RCMP say McFadgen had the presence of mind to duck down below the dash and into the front passenger seat as his vehicle struck the mature moose.
The animal was flipped up onto the vehicle hood and roof, peeling the roof back.
McFadgen was able to get out of his mangled vehicle and call for help, and he had only minor injuries; the moose died.
“Judging by the extent of the damage seen on the vehicle, this is a perfect example of a driver who was paying attention to the road, therefore able to quickly respond,” said Sgt. Thomas Howell, commander of RCMP Manning detachment.
“Without Mr. McFadgen quick action and thinking, he may not be here today to tell this story.”
On average, an adult moose weighs around 1,500 pounds and can be up to seven feet tall.