SOUTHERN BRUCE COUNTY – The South Bruce OPP say they have been called to nine separate crashes involving motor vehicles and deer between April 1 and April 7.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported as a result of any of the crashes.
With the high number of deer-related crashes being reported, South Bruce OPP offer the following tips to reduce the chances of hitting a deer:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Slow down and blow your horn with one long blast to frighten the deer away.
- 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.
- Always wear your seat belt. Most people injured in deer-vehicle crashes were not wearing their seat belt.
- Do not rely on devices such as deer whistles, deer fences and reflectors to deter deer. Slow down, stay in control and stay alert.
