Confused by moose-car collisions in Maine

Here’s today’s trivia question from DownEast.com.

How many moose-car collisions occur in Maine each year?

Answer:

In a statistically typical year, some 700 people collide with moose, 160 are injured, and 3 are killed.

OK, I’m slightly confused by the answer to this question. First, I’m guessing that when it reads “700 people collide with moose,” it really means the vehicles in which the people were traveling collided with the moose, not the people themselves. But does that mean 700 collisions or 700 people were involved in those collisions? After all, a vehicle can carry more than one person.

And when it reads “160 are injured, and 3 are killed,” I assume it means people, not moose.

Interesting question. I just wish I was sure about the answer.

Leave a comment