Police Advice on Avoiding Deer and Staying Alive

(KINCARDINE, ON.) – In 2008, there were nearly 60,000 motor vehicle collisions with wildlife across Canada and 14,000 of these collisions took place in Ontario. Ninety per cent of these collisions were with White Tailed Deer. The South Bruce OPP would like to offer motorists the following tips to reduce their chances of becoming involved in a collision with a deer:

o 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.
o 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.
o 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.
o Slow down and blow your horn with one long blast to frighten the deer away.
o 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.
o Always wear your seat belt. Most people injured in deer-vehicle crashes were not wearing their seat belt.
o Do not rely on devices such as deer whistles, deer fences and reflectors to deter deer. Slow down, stay in control and stay alert.

Anyone having information that can assist Police with investigations is asked to call South Bruce OPP at 519-396-3341 (Kincardine), 519-881-3130 (Walkerton) or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222 -TIPS (8477). OPP Dispatch – 1-888-310-1122

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