Wellington County OPP officers are asking drivers to be more alert on county roads after an increase in collisions involving wildlife, primarily deer.
So far in 2015, officers have investigated 93 collisions involving deer, compared to 52 at this time in 2014.
The OPP recommends caution when moving through deer-crossing zones and if you see a deer others are likely nearby.
Police have released a series of tips that can reduce the chance of a collision:
- Be attentive, especially 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 deer-crossing zones. Deer seldom run alone. If you see one deer, others are likely 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 road.
- 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.
- Do not rely on devices such as deer whistles, deer fences or reflectors to scare away deer.