(SOUTHERN BRUCE COUNTY, ON) Over the past 2 weeks, the South Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has investigated 11 motor vehicle collisions involving deer. Animals were the most common contributing factor to collisions investigated by the South Bruce OPP in 2012. The following tips are offered to help drivers avoid hitting a deer:
Be especially attentive from sunset to midnight and during the hours shortly before and after sunrise. These are the highest risk times for deer-vehicle collisions.
Drive with caution when moving through areas known to have a large deer population. Remember – deer seldom run alone. If you see one deer, others may be nearby.
When driving at night, use high beam headlights when there is no oncoming traffic. The high beams will better illuminate the eyes of deer on or near the roadway.
Slow down and blow your horn with one long blast to frighten the deer away.
Brake firmly when you notice a deer in or near your path, but stay in your lane. Many serious crashes occur when drivers swerve to avoid a deer and hit another vehicle or lose control of their cars.
Always wear your seat belt. Most people injured in deer-vehicle crashes were not wearing their seat belt.
Do not rely on devices such as deer whistles, deer fences and reflectors to deter deer. Slow down, stay in control and stay alert.
Deer are powerful animals that can appear on the roadway with little or no warning. Slow down and give yourself time to react.