There are new statistics today from Huron County OPP about vehicle-deer collision.
OPP officers have investigated at least 18 deer crashes so far this month in Huron County. Last November, a total of 64 deer crashes were reported to Huron OPP.
A search of the OPP reportable deer collision data over the last ten years in Huron County shows November leads the way every year.
The overall total of deer crashes for 2016 was 301. That works out to about one third of all reportable motor vehicle collisions investigated by Huron OPP.
The majority of these collisions take place around sunrise and sunset.
Based on the frequencies of collisions in certain areas, "hot spots" have been identified as:
- Bluewater Veterans Highway (Hwy. 21) between Black's Point Rd. & Union Rd. - Amberley Road (County 86) near Brussels Line (County 12) - Huron Road (Hwy. 8) near Holmes St. - Brussels Line (County 12) near Cranbrook Rd. - Huron Road (Hwy. 8) near Front Rd. - Huron Road (Hwy. 8) near Pondsview Rd.
In a news release from Constable Jamie Stanley, he states OPP officers routinely investigate motor vehicle collisions where the driver takes evasive action by swerving to avoid a deer on the road. Often this results in the driver losing control and leaving the road. A property damage collision can turn into a serious personal injury, and sometimes deadly collision.
Should you have the misfortune of striking a deer, here are some tips on what to do next:
- Pull your vehicle off to the side of the road as far as possible. - Activate your four-way flashers. Be visible and be aware of other vehicles when outside of your vehicle. - Call 911 if you or your passengers are injured. If nobody is injured and the dollar value of the damage exceeds $2,000, you are required to report the collision to police as soon as possible. Use the non-emergent line, 1-888-310-1122. - If the dollar value of the damages are below $2,000 and the vehicle is safe to drive, continue on your journey and later contact your insurance company.