A New Brunswick woman is on a long road to recovery after a terrifying and near-fatal encounter with a moose on a provincial highway earlier this month. The collision, which left the vehicle severely damaged, has highlighted the ever-present danger of wildlife on the region's roads.
A Nightmare on Route 7
The incident occurred on the evening of December 5, 2025, as Courtney Deveau and her partner, Zachary Legacy, were traveling southbound on Route 7 in New Brunswick. Without warning, a moose emerged onto the roadway, leaving the couple with no time to avoid a direct impact. The force of the collision was catastrophic, crushing the front end of their vehicle and shattering the windshield.
Zachary Legacy, who was driving, recalls the moments after the crash with chilling clarity. Seeing his partner unconscious and unresponsive amid the wreckage, he feared the worst. "I thought she was dead," Legacy admitted, describing the panic and helplessness he felt in those initial seconds. The scene was one of utter devastation, with debris scattered across the highway.
Miraculous Survival and Hospital Recovery
Despite the horrific nature of the crash, Courtney Deveau survived. Emergency services responded promptly to the scene on Route 7, transporting her to a nearby hospital for urgent medical care. She is currently recovering from her injuries, which, while serious, were not fatal. The couple's family has shared a photo of Deveau and Legacy together, a testament to their bond and her ongoing fight to heal.
This accident serves as a stark and somber reminder of the risks associated with driving in areas with high moose populations, especially during the winter months when visibility is reduced and animals may be more active near roadways. Collisions with these large animals are often severe due to the moose's height, which causes its body to crash directly into the passenger compartment of a vehicle.
The Ongoing Danger of Wildlife on Highways
Authorities in New Brunswick and across Canada consistently warn drivers to exercise extreme caution, particularly at dawn and dusk when wildlife is most active. They recommend the following safety tips:
- Reduce speed in signed wildlife areas and during periods of low light.
- Scan the shoulders of the road ahead for animal movement.
- Use high beams when possible to illuminate a wider area.
- If a collision is unavoidable, brake firmly and steer straight; swerving can lead to a loss of control or a more dangerous collision.
The community now rallies around Courtney Deveau as she continues her recovery in the hospital. Her story of survival against the odds is both a warning and a source of hope for others. The couple's experience underscores the critical importance of vigilance on the road and the life-altering consequences that can unfold in a single, unexpected moment.
