‘Don’t veer’ OPP warns drivers about wildlife after deer collides with 2 vehicles

Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is reminding drivers to be on the lookout for wildlife after a deer collided with two vehicles in Norfolk County.

Police say a vehicle was travelling northbound on Blueline Rd. last Thursday when the driver collided with a deer that ran out onto the roadway. The deer then ran into the southbound lanes of traffic and was struck by a second vehicle.

No injuries were reported to either of the drivers.

OPP says it’s important to remember you should not veer for deer or any wildlife.

“If you suddenly have a deer or wildlife in your path, we encourage drivers to stay in control, reduce as much speed as possible, and whatever you do, steer straight. Don’t veer for wildlife,” said Acting Sgt. Ed Sanchuk, Norfolk County OPP. “By changing your direction quickly, you increase the risk of losing control, running off the roadway and rolling your vehicle. This increases the likelihood of sustaining greater damage to your vehicle and serious injury.”

Police have offered the following tips to help ensure a safe journey during this time of year:

• Look all around, not just straight ahead. Deer or wildlife will often run across the road from ditches and protected areas such as stream corridors and woodlots.
• Where you see one, expect more.
• Slow down. The slower you go, the more time you have to react should you encounter any wildlife on the roadway.
• Wildlife can move across roads at any time of the day or night.
• Watch for glowing eyes at night.
• Don’t veer for animals. Should an animal run into the path of your vehicle, reduce your speed quickly, steer straight and stay in control.
• Remove all distractions.
• Buckle up. If you need to stop in a hurry, you want your body restrained to prevent unnecessary injury or possibly death.