Huron County OPP are warning motorists to watch out for deer on the roadways.
In the past week, Huron OPP officers responded to a total of 28 collisions in the county. Exactly 50% were collisions involving animals, 13 with deer and one with a coyote.
Based on OPP collision data November and December are two of the months in the calendar year when drivers are most likely to encounter deer on the roadways. If you drive on rural roads in Huron County it is almost a certainty that you will encounter deer on the roadway at some point.
Police ask drivers to pay attention to deer crossing warning signs and drive with extra caution when travelling through areas known to have large deer populations. Remember, if you see one deer there is a good chance others will be nearby. You should also be especially attentive from . These are the highest risk times for collisions with deer. When driving at night always use your high beams when there is no oncoming traffic and continually scan the roadway, shoulders and ditches for animals. OPP say you should always wear your seatbelt, a most people injured in wildlife collisions were not. If you encounter a deer or large animal on the roadway, slow down and brake firmly if a collision is unavoidable. Avoid swerving for a deer. Many serious crashes occur when drivers swerve to avoid an animal only to hit another vehicle or lose control of their vehicle.
If a collision does occur, stay calm and pull your vehicle off to the side of the roadway. Activate your emergency 4-way flashers and if you have to get out of your vehicle be aware of your surroundings. Call 9-1-1 if you or your passengers are injured. If nobody is injured and the dollar value of the damage exceeds $2,000, you are required to report the collision to police as soon as possible. Please use the non-emergent line to contact police by calling 1-888-310-1122.
