No, a standard passenger car cannot safely drive under an adult moose. The primary reason is the significant difference in ground clearance and the animal's leg length. A typical car has a ground clearance of 5 to 7 inches, while an adult moose stands with its body 5 to 7 feet off the ground. Attempting this would result in a catastrophic collision with the moose's legs, causing the massive body to collapse onto the vehicle's windshield and roof. This is an extremely dangerous scenario for both the occupants and the animal.
The most critical factor is the moose's height. Unlike deer, which are lower to the ground, a moose's legs are long and its body is positioned high. When a vehicle strikes a moose’s legs, the animal's bulk is often sent directly through the windshield and into the passenger compartment. This can lead to devastating consequences, including severe injuries or fatalities for those inside the car. The vehicle's roof structure is not designed to withstand the impact of a 1,000+ pound animal falling from that height.
The table below illustrates the mismatch in clearances, showing why this is an impossible and dangerous feat.
| Vehicle Type | Average Ground Clearance | Average Roof Height | Adult Moose Height (at Shoulder) | Adult Moose Weight |
|---|
| Sedan (e.g., Toyota Camry) | 5.7 inches | 57 inches | 5 - 7 feet (60 - 84 inches) | 800 - 1,500 lbs |
| SUV (e.g., Honda CR-V) | 8.2 inches | 66 inches | 5 - 7 feet (60 - 84 inches) | 800 - 1,500 lbs |
| Pickup Truck (e.g., Ford F-150) | 9.4 inches | 75 inches | 5 - 7 feet (60 - 84 inches) | 800 - 1,500 lbs |
Your driving strategy should be the opposite of trying to go under. In moose country, especially at dawn and dusk, you should slow down, use high-beam headlights when possible (to better illuminate their eyes), and scan the sides of the road carefully. If you see a moose, brake firmly and stay in your lane. Never swerve, as this could cause you to lose control and hit another vehicle or a tree. The goal is to avoid the collision entirely or, if impact is unavoidable, hit the animal at the lowest possible speed and let it deflect to the side rather than coming over the hood.
