The OPP are reminding residents the importance of staying alert and knowing how to react if they encounter a deer on the roadway this summer. If a deer does run into the path of your vehicle you should reduce your speed quickly and steer straight because changing your direction quickly will increase your chances of losing control, running off the roadway or rolling your vehicle.
The rate of deer and vehicle collisions also increase significantly 1.5 hour before and after sunrise and sunset as that is when deer are said to be most active.
Looking around you and not just straight ahead is vital as well as deer often come from ditches and fields. You should also watch for glowing eyes of deer at night and if you see one deer, expect more as they often travel in herds. Slowing down your speed can also be helpful as the slower you go, the more time you have to react should you encounter a deer.
These tips are important for everyone as deer don’t limit their activity to rural roads and have been known to cross busy roadways as well.
