(PERTH COUNTY, ON) – The Perth County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) was dispatched to five car deer collisions between 6 and 7 p.m. on Wednesday November 18, 2015.
These five collisions did not result in any injuries however the drivers were shook-up and in a number of these collisions the damage to the vehicles was extensive. Some of the deer involved died as a result of the collision while others took off into bushy areas.
The locations of these collisions were throughout the County with two occurring in the Twp. of Perth East, one in Perth South, one in the Municipality of West Perth and one in the Municipality of North Perth.
Motorists are urged to heed the warnings about deer crossing roadways during the rutting season, when there is an increase in deer movement. The peak times for collisions are between 5 a.m. – 7 a.m., and 5 p.m. – 11 p.m. Keep in mind though that an encounter with a deer may occur at any time in any location. When you notice deer warning signs you can be assured that this is a location with historically high numbers of car deer collisions. In these areas be especially cautious and scan the road ahead from shoulder to shoulder.
If wildlife is spotted, slow down, pass carefully, or stop as safely as possible. If striking an animal is unavoidable, do not swerve suddenly; maintain control of your vehicle, and report the collision to police as soon as possible.
Driving tips to avoid wildlife:
Watch for deer during early morning or evening hours
Slow down when you notice “deer warning signs”
When safe, use your high beam lights to help light up the road and ditches
Never swerve to miss an animal, stay in control at all times
If you see one deer, there are usually more so…slow down
If you strike an animal, call police
Do not let any animal regardless of size, suffer after you hit it, call police
If you have struck a deer:
Stay calm and pull your vehicle off to the side of the road as far as possible.
Put on 4 way flashers.
Be visible and be aware of other vehicles when outside of your vehicle.
Call 911 if you or your passenger is injured.
If the dollar value of the damage exceeds $2,000 you are required to report the collision to police as soon as possible. Use the non-emergent line 1-888-310-1122.
If you would like to keep the dead deer, you are required to promptly submit a Notice of Possession. This can be completed on line at www.ontario.ca or by visiting a Service Ontario full service location.
Be Alert, Slow Down, Drive with care and Don’t Veer for Deer.
