Huron OPP warn November is top month for vehicle-deer collisions

(HURON COUNTY, ON) - Drivers need to take extra caution and care when travelling the roads this time of year. November is the month when Huron County experiences the highest number of motor vehicle collisions involving deer. In fact, a search of the Huron County OPP reportable deer collision data over the past 10 years shows November leads the way every year, without exception. 

Collisions with deer can and do happen throughout the calendar year, but the two peak periods are from October to January, and May to June. Last year during the month of November, 64 deer crashes were reported to Huron County OPP. Just 13 days into this November, and the numbers show Huron County OPP officers have investigated 18 deer crashes. 

Did you know the overall total of deer crashes for 2016 was 301? This figure works out to approximately one-third of all reportable motor vehicle collisions investigated by Huron OPP.  

It is also good to know where the crashes are taking place in our county. Based on the frequencies of crashes in certain areas, "hot spots" have been identified as follows:
 

• Bluewater Veterans Highway (Highway 21) between Black's Point Road and Union Road
• Amberley Road (Huron County Road 86) near Brussels Line (Huron County Road 12)
• Huron Road (Highway 8) near Holmes Street
• Brussels Line (Huron County Road 12) near Cranbrook Road
• Huron Road (Highway 8) near Front Road
• Huron Road (Highway 8) near Pondsview Road

It should also be noted the bulk of the motor vehicle-animal collisions take place around sunrise and sunset. 
 
Knowing when and where the collisions are taking place is certainly helpful, but if you do encounter a deer during your travels, please remember, "Don't Veer for Deer."

The Huron County OPP routinely investigates motor vehicle collisions where the driver takes evasive action by swerving to avoid a deer on the roadway. Often this results in the driver losing control and leaving the roadway. A property damage collision has now turned into a serious personal injury and sometimes deadly collision. 
 
Should you have the misfortune of striking a deer, here are some tips on what to do next:
 

• Stay calm and pull your vehicle off to the side of the road as far as possible. Activate your four-way flashers. Be visible and be aware of other vehicles when outside of your vehicle. 
• 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. Use the non-emergent line, 1-888-310-1122.
• If the dollar-value of the damage is below $2,000 and the vehicle is in a condition that is safe to drive, continue on your journey and later contact your insurance company.