(HURON COUNTY, ON) – Although July is not the peak season for motor vehicle collisions involving deer, drivers still need to be aware that deer are constantly moving across our roadways. As of today, for the month of July, there have been 17 reported motor vehicle collisions involving deer in Huron County. That’s a one a day average.
Two of the 17 collisions involved minor injuries to occupants in the vehicle.
At approximately 6:20 p.m. on Monday, July 14, 2014 a driver swerved to avoid a deer on Gorrie Line. He lost control of his truck and it ended up coming to rest on its roof in the ditch. Luckily, the driver escaped injury.
What can drivers do to reduce their risk of colliding with a deer?
SLOW down. Drive with extra care and caution in areas that are known to have high deer populations. Obey the yellow wildlife warning signs that indicate increased risk.
WATCH carefully. Scanning the roadway up ahead from shoulder to shoulder. When you see wildlife such as a deer near the roadway, slow down and pass with care as they may suddenly bolt onto the road. Where there is one deer there is quite likely a second nearby.
Use your high beams at night. Your headlights will illuminate the glowing eyes of animals. The vast majority of motor vehicle/deer collisions happen between dusk and dawn.
“Don’t Veer for Deerâ€. Stay in control. Never swerve suddenly; this could lead to a loss of control and potentially a deadly collision.
Brake firmly if an animal is standing on or crossing the road. Never assume the animal will move out of your way.
What should I do if I have struck a deer?
Stay calm and pull your vehicle off to the side of the road as far as possible. Put on your 4 way flashers. Be visible and be aware of other vehicles when outside of your vehicle.
Call 9-1-1 if you or your passengers are injured. Also, If the dollar value of the damages exceeds $1,000 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 online at www.ontario.ca or by visiting a Service Ontario full service location.
Be Alert, Slow Down and Drive with Care. Driving safely starts with you.