'Swerving into danger': drivers warned not to swerve when encountering geese

Both Manitobans and Canadian geese are all over the province's highways this weekend, a dangerous combination. 

But don't swerve to get out of their way or you risk making things even worse. 

"You need to be reactive, you need to be attentive, and you need to pay attention to the road," said Manitoba Public Insurance spokesperson Brian Smiley.

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MPI recommends motorists put on their four-way flashers if they see geese or other wildlife and start pumping their brakes to warn other drivers.

Vehicles following behind are warned to leave a safe amount of distance between other drivers and under no circumstances is it recommended that a driver starts swerving.

'You're going to swerve into the other lane'

"You're swerving into danger," said Kenora Mayor David Canfield, adding drivers should brace for impact.

There have already been 70 geese-related crashes on Manitoba roads this year, according to MPI.

He wants drivers heading out to the cottage this weekend to know what to do. 

"I don't care if it's a squirrel or a duck or whatever avoid swerving because you're probably going to swerve into the other lane and hit oncoming traffic."

"Be aware it's that time of year," he said. 

MPI said there were 202 goose-related insurance claims in 2016 and 172 in 2015.