Chatham-Kent Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers attended at five separate motor vehicle collisions between the early morning hours of November 14, 2015, to the early morning hours of November 16, 2015.
Four collisions involved deer and one involved a racoon.
All five collisions occurred on Highway 401 between County Road 42 and Duart Road, with four collisions in the eastbound lanes and one in the westbound lanes.
No injuries were reported from the vehicle occupants.
Chatham-Kent Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers would like to remind drivers to be alert and keep a sharp eye out for deer and other wildlife that are more active during the fall.
Helpful tips to minimize the chances of being involved in a collision with a wild animal are:
· Be attentive, especially from sunset to shortly after sunrise, as these are the highest risk times for deer-vehicle collisions.
· Scan the area ahead while driving.
· Slow down for better reaction time and use high beams when there is no oncoming traffic.
· Watch for glowing eyes of wild life. Deer seldom run alone. If you see one deer, others are likely nearby.
· Do not swerve suddenly. If you see wildlife, slow down, steer straight and stay in control of the vehicle.
· Always wear your seatbelt.
Remember that your first priority is safety; for you, your passengers and other motorists sharing the road.
