Members of the Peterborough County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have investigated numerous car vs deer collisions over the last four weeks. As the temperature changes, so do the movements of wildlife in rural areas of the County.
By slightly adapting your driving behaviour you can potentially impact the severity of your outcome if you are involved in a wildlife collision:
•Deer tend to move more during low light periods during the day. Be extra vigilant during dusk/dawn periods.
•Reduce your speed. The posted speed limit is for optimal road conditions. If you have a collision, the slower you are going the less the chance of injury.
•Utilize your high beams and scan for glowing eyes on both shoulders of the road and ditches.
• If you see an animal on or near the road proceed with caution because there are likely more in the area. Deer often travel in groups of two or more.
•When presented with wildlife on the road, brake firmly, remain calm and avoid swerving. Turning sharply often causes the driver to lose control or can cause reactionary decisions from other drivers which can result in tragic outcomes.
•Wear your seatbelt.
•Remind people who may be visiting from urban areas to watch for wildlife on the roads, oftentimes collisions occur when people are unfamiliar with the differences in metropolitan and rural driving conditions.
Driving in rural areas requires heightened awareness; be mindful that roads are directly cut through wildlife habitats and that sharing the space safely is your responsibility.
