The Chatham-Kent Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is urging motorists to drive carefully after investigating 22 motor vehicle collisions involving deer this year.
OPP officials say luckily no personal injuries were reported at any of these collisions.
OPP offer motorists the following tips in an effort to minimize the chances of being involved in a collision with deer:
– Be especially attentive from sunset to midnight and during the hours shortly before and after sunrise. These are high risk times for deer-vehicle collisions.
– Drive with caution when moving through areas known to have a large deer population. Remember if you see one deer, others are likely nearby as they often travel in herds.
– When driving at night, use high beam headlights in the absence of oncoming traffic. The high beams will better illuminate the eyes of deer on or near the roadway.
– The slower you drive in deer populated areas, the more time you will have to react if one crosses your vehicles path.
– Brake firmly when you notice a deer in or near your path, but stay in your lane. DON’T VEER FOR DEER.
– Always wear your seat belt.
– Slow down, stay in control and stay alert.
