Don't Veer For Deer

Friday, 11 January 2019 at 14:01

Norfolk County OPP says drivers and motorists need to be on the lookout for deer while they're travelling.

NORFOLK COUNTY - Norfolk County OPP is urging all motorists not to veer for deer.

Police are advising drivers to be alert and aware of their surroundings after they investigated several vehicle collisions involving deer.

Constable Ed Sanchuk for the Norfolk County OPP says to stay in control of your car and slow down if you come into contact with a deer.

"If you suddenly have a deer in your path, we encourage drivers to stay in control, reduce as much speed as possible, and whatever you do, steer straight. Don't veer for the deer. By changing your direction quickly, you increase the risk of losing control, running off the roadway and rolling your vehicle. This increases the likelihood of sustaining greater damage to your vehicle and serious injury."

Deer-vehicle collision rates increase significantly 1.5 hours on either side of sunset and sunrise Although there is often signage to warn motorists of higher deer-travelled areas, motorists need to be aware in all areas. Deer don't limit their activity on rural roads. The animals have been known to cross the busy roadways as well.

Some other helpful hints to ensure a safe journey during this time of year are as follows:

- Look all around, not just straight ahead. Deer will often run across the road from ditches and protected areas such as stream corridors and woodlots.

- Where you see one deer, expect more. Deer often travel in herds.

- Slow down. The slower you go, the more time you have to react should you encounter a deer

- Deer can move across roads at any time of the day or year but anticipate higher deer movements in the fall and around sunrise & sunset.

- Watch for glowing eyes of deer at night

- Don't veer for deer. Should a deer run into the path of your vehicle, reduce your speed quickly, steer straight and stay in control.

- Remove all distractions. Give yourself the best chance possible to see and predict where deer might go.

- Buckle up. If you need to stop in a hurry, you want your body restrained to prevent unnecessary injury or possibly death.