Norfolk OPP is reminding motorists to be aware of their surroundings and to ‘not veer for deer,’
The reminder comes after police were called to recent vehicle-deer collisions in Norfolk County.
“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,” Const. Ed Sanchuk, of the Norfolk OPP said in a statement. “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.”
Leaving the roadway and rolling a vehicle increases the likelihood of sustaining greater damage to a vehicle and serious injury, Sanchuk said.
Deer-vehicle collision rates increase significantly 1.5 hours on either side of sunset and sunrise, he said.
Although there is often signage to warn motorists of higher deer-traveled areas, motorists need to be aware in all areas. Deer don’t limit their activity on rural roads and have been known to cross the busy roads as well, he added.
Other tips from the police to ensure a safe trip include:
- Looking around and not just straight ahead because deer often run across the road from ditches, stream corridors and woodlots.
- If one deer is spotted, motorists can expect to see more because deer often travel in herds.
- Slowing down gives motorists more time to react if a deer ventures onto the road.
- Deer move across roads at any time of day and during the year but motorists can anticipate higher deer movements in the fall and around sunrise and sunset.
- Watch for glowing eyes of deer at night.
- Remove all distractions to provide the best chance to see and predict where a deer might go.
- Buckle up to prevent injury or possibly death if required to stop in a hurry.
“We are committed to educating all drivers in Norfolk County and surrounding areas,” Insp. Jodi Kays, detachment commander of the Norfolk OPP, said in the release. “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.”