The Lambton Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) would like to remind local motorists that when driving in rural areas, drivers need to be extra cautious as wildlife become more active during the fall season.
OPP officials say this past weekend, October 20 to October 23, the Lambton OPP responded to 11 collisions involving deer.
“Deer, due to breeding, feeding and hunting patterns (November/December) will be especially active causing deer to relocate from one area to another,” OPP officials stated in a press release.
The OPP is reminding motorists that they can take precautions to reduce their risk of a collision with wildlife:
– Scan the road ahead from shoulder to shoulder. Deer are particularly active in the fall, especially at dawn and dusk. Deer rarely travel alone, so when motorists see one there are likely more nearby.
– Watch your speed and be careful when driving at night. Slowing down will give you more time to respond. Avoiding driving after dark when possible can greatly reduce the risk of colliding with an animal.
– Brake firmly if an animal is standing on or crossing the road, stopping if necessary. Swerving to avoid hitting a wild animal may result in loss of control and a more serious collision. If you do encounter large wildlife such as deer or bear on the road and can safely avoid hitting them, do so, but be absolutely certain that oncoming traffic or soft shoulders do not put you and others at risk.
– Do not direct your full attention to the animal when you take measures to avoid hitting it, because this almost always results in colliding with the animal. Instead, focus your attention on the alternative route you decide to take, again only if this manoeuvre doesn’t place you and others in danger.
