The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), the Ministry of Transportation (MTO), the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNR) and Middlesex County are working together to remind motorists not to veer for deer. Although at times it may seem that the deer can come out of nowhere but with a little knowledge there are many things drivers can do to help prevent car-deer collisions”, advises Middlesex OPP, Detachment Commander Inspector Dean Croker. One of those very important skills would be to avoid veering for deer. If you suddenly find a deer in your vehicles path, Police encourage drivers not to panic, stay in control, reduce as much speed as possible, and whatever you do, steer straight. Don’t veer for the deer. In 2019 the Middlesex County OPP responded to 518 animal-related collisions. In the fall and winter season OPP see a steady increase in the reported Car vs. Deer collisions.
More tips and strategies can be found below:
By changing your direction quickly, you increase the risk of losing control of your motor vehicle, running off the roadway, striking an object such as a pole, tree or rolling your vehicle. This increases the likelihood of sustaining greater damage to your vehicle and puts the occupants of the vehicle at greater risk of injury or death.” says Inspector Croker.
Although there is often signage to warn motorists of higher deer-travelled areas, motorists need to be aware in all areas. “We do our best to place signage to notify motorists as to where the deer will most likely cross Middlesex County roadways. But unfortunately, due to weather and migration patterns, the deer sometimes have a mind of their own. That is why it is so important for drivers to keep an eye out for the animals, regardless of where they are or what time they are travelling.” says Middlesex County Engineer Chris Traini.
Deer don’t limit their activity on rural roads. The animals have been known to cross the busy 400-series highways as well. The MTO will be using their electronic variable message signs on Highway 401 to warn motorists of increased deer activity during this period.
Some other helpful hints to ensure a safe journey during this time of year are as follows:
Look all around, not just straight ahead. Deer will often run across the road from ditches and protected areas such as stream corridors, rivers and woodlots.
Pay extra attention in areas with deer crossing signage.
Where you see one deer, expect more. Deer often travel in herds.
Slow down! The slower you go, the more time you have to react should you encounter a deer.
Deer can move across roads at any time of the day or year but anticipate higher deer movements in the fall and around sunrise & sunset.
Watch for glowing eyes of deer at night.
Don’t veer for deer. Should a deer run into the path of your vehicle, reduce your speed quickly, steer straight and stay in control.
Remove all distractions. Give yourself the best chance possible to see and predict where deer might go.
Buckle up. If you need to stop in a hurry, you want your body restrained to prevent unnecessary injury or possibly death.
Be cautious in areas were fence lines meet the road and field edges that run at a right angle to the roadway.
The MNRF also recommends when drivers see animals along the road, they should also sound their horns in a series of short bursts. At night, motorists should blink their headlights to warn the animals and give them a chance to move out of the way.
The above safety tips can help drivers avoid unnecessary collisions with wildlife in our area resulting in safer roadways and the increased health and safety of all.
