(PERTH COUNTY, ON) The Perth County OPP want to reiterate their annual warnings to watch for wildlife this time of year. With a noted spike in car-deer collisions this warning should not be taken lightly.
During October 2010 the Perth County OPP were called to 30 car-deer collisions. This is a 100% increase from the 2009 numbers when they were called to 15 car-deer crashes. This doubling of the numbers is concerning since November is usually the month with the highest number of car-deer collisions. In November 2009 there were 44 reported car-deer collisions in Perth County.
Fortunately most car deer-collisions do not result in any injuries but the possibility of serious injury or death is always present. Loss of control while trying to swerve around deer could cause a vehicle to leave the roadway, roll into a ditch or crash into a tree. Some areas in North America have adopted the slogan “don’t veer for deer†in an attempt to minimize serious injury or death to drivers.
The Perth County OPP would like to remind the motoring public to watch out for deer on our roadways especially as we are in the deer mating season and hunters are starting to venture into the bush. Drivers should watch for the yellow wildlife warning signs that indicate areas of increased risk of deer crossing. Slow down when travelling through these areas. Scan the road ahead from shoulder to shoulder. Use high beams at night where possible and watch for glowing eyes of animals. When you see wildlife beside the road, slow down and pass carefully as they may suddenly bolt onto the road. Stop as safely as possible if a wild animal is crossing the road. Remember, if one animal crosses the road, others may follow. If possible, avoid driving during dusk or dawn when most wildlife collisions occur. Swerving to avoid hitting a wild animal may result in a more serious collision. If hitting a wild animal is unavoidable, remember to keep control of your vehicle.