Deer Safety Driving Tips

Posted On Tuesday October 01, 2019

Fall brings beautiful autumn colours and more wildlife onto Ontario’s roads – and a need for drivers to be extra vigilant.

The number of animal strikes on Ontario roads has increased by 45 percent over a 15 year period (1999 – 2014). October to January is a peak time for vehicle collisions with wildlife, and autumn is the most dangerous time. Collisions with wild animals can result in serious vehicle damage, personal injury, or even death.

Deer usually cross roads early in the morning and at dusk. Pay attention to your surroundings as you drive, especially at this time of the year. Below are driving tips that will help you avoid hitting a deer or minimize the dangers associated, if a collision occurs.

Here are suggestions from the Wildlife Collision Prevention Program to help reduce your risk of collision:

  1. Watch for the signs.What do those signs really mean? 
    • A Wildlife Warning Sign is a yellow diamond shaped sign. The sign warns of a hazard ahead, and advises drivers to be cautious and remain alert
  2. Reduce speed. Speed is one of the most common factors in vehicle collisions.
    •  Some studies suggest that wildlife vehicle collisions occur more often on long straight stretches, dry road conditions, and clear nights – when vision is good and drivers may be speeding. Drivers tend to be more cautious on curving roads and in poor weather.
  3. Think: “What if…?”Mental preparation is a useful tool. 
    • It’s better to mentally rehearse how you might avoid an encounter with wildlife, than have to react to a dangerous situation when you’re unprepared.
  4. Drive defensively. What to look for: 
    • Drivers and passengers should actively watch for wildlife - on the road, in the ditch, on the shoulder, and in the right of way; watch for any movement along the sides of the road. 
    • Shining eyes mean your headlights are reflecting off the animal’s eyes. Watch out between dusk and dawn: light levels are low, and animals are active.
  5. Steer clear.To swerve or not to swerve? 
    • If smaller animals such as deer are in your way – think carefully – is it safe to swerve? Do not take unsafe evasive actions. 
    • Serious incidents can occur when drivers lose control of their vehicles trying to avoid an animal. Always reduce your speed in signed areas. Driving at a slower speed may mean it is not necessary to swerve at all. 
    • Swerving can take you into the path of an oncoming vehicle or into the ditch. If a deer is in your way, consider using your brakes, not your wheel.
  6. Make the most of your vehicle. Basic maintenance of lights and windshield is important. 
    • It’s important to maintain your vehicle and keep headlights, signal lights, and tail lights clean and in good working order. 
    • Regularly clean your windshield inside and out, and check and repair windshield wiper blades. 
    • Keep headlights properly aligned to avoid blinding other drivers and optimize road illumination.
  7. What if a crash is inevitable?
    • In certain conditions, there is no real choice except to strike the animal. If it appears impossible to avoid the animal, aim for the spot the animal is coming from, not where it is going. Look where you want to go, not at the animal. You tend to drive where you look – if you are looking at the animal that is where the vehicle tends to go. 
    • If you must hit something, try for a glancing blow rather than a head-on hit. 
    • Brake firmly and quickly, then look, and steer your vehicle to strike the animal at an angle. 
    • Let up on the brake just before you hit the animal. This causes the front end of your vehicle to rise and reduces the chances of the animal coming through your windshield.
  8. What should you do if you have a collision with wildlife? 
    • First, pull off the road in such a way as to illuminate the animal with your headlights and turn on your hazard lights. 
    • Only remove the animal if it is safe to do so, and you are physically capable of doing so. 
    • Inspect your vehicle to see if it safe to continue driving. Call 911 if there is damage over $1000 or any human injuries. 
    • If there is damage, contact your insurance company's claims department.
    • Call the local police. Even if your vehicle is not damaged, reporting the exact location helps officials monitor injured animals and recover dead ones. Quick removal prevents other animals from being attracted to the highway.

So, when you’re driving the highways this fall, admiring the glorious foliage of our beautiful landscape, keep an eye out for our furry friends. Be sure to help educate friends, family, and colleagues – especially new and younger drivers – to the dangers of collisions with wildlife, and enjoy safe travels!

Source: Workplace Safety North

Middlesex Mutual provides complimentary deer whistles to our policyholders