Icelandic Road Administration Issues Reindeer Warning

If you are driving in northeast Iceland, keep your eyes peeled for reindeer. As RÚV reports, a large herd of reindeer was spotted on Háreksstaðaleið in northeast Iceland yesterday, prompting the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration (IRCA) to warn drivers to look out for them.

During the winter months, reindeer migrate from the mountains in Iceland to the lowlands, in search of food. This search will often take them near roads. As a report issued by the IRCA last November details, a combination of poor winter weather and seasonal darkness make reindeer collisions an even greater danger.

In fact, 62% of road kills of reindeer occur from October to January, and sometimes several reindeer can lose their lives in a single accident. Caution is strongly advised when travelling through this area in the winter.

Furthermore, there is a storm warning in effect for North Iceland, especially in the area around Akureyri and Siglufjörður. Gusts of up to 40-45m/s are possible, and icy conditions may be found in the northwest.

As always, before driving in the countryside, check both the road conditions and the weather before hitting the road. Take storm warnings and road closings seriously; the police sure will.