Don't Veer For Deer

Thursday, 21 March 2019 at 07:55

Oxford OPP have noticed a spike in deer collisions recently.

OXFORD COUNTY - Police are once again reminding drivers to never veer for deer.

Deer collision rates rise significantly 1.5 hours before and after sunrise and sunset. Collisions don't always happen in rural areas and the animals have been known to cross busy highways as well.

Constable Ed Sanchuk says you need to be aware of your surroundings.

"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."

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.

Detachment Commander for the Oxford OPP Inspector Tony Hymers says driver education is the key.

"We are committed to educating all drivers in Oxford County and surrounding areas. Although at times it may seem that the deer come out of nowhere, with a little knowledge and improved driving skill, there are many things drivers can do to prevent car-deer collisions."