Fall is a dangerous time for Ontario drivers as winter approaches and deer breeding gets underway.
Wildlife accidents cost up to 60 Canadian lives annually and thousands of drivers sustain injuries. Damages from wildlife collisions totaled nearly $400,000,000 in 2009.
Ontario Provincial Police responded to 60,000 wildlife and car crashes within the last five years. Auto repair shops also remain busy repairing vehicles that are damaged from wildlife accidents.
The Height of Deer Season
The start of winter and breeding season makes autumn a perilous time for deer and drivers. Deer tend to herd together when the weather gets colder and start making their way to the woods. Although there are some fences to keep wildlife from roads, animals often end up crossing busy highways.
With white tailed deer weighing between 50 and 150 kilograms and reaching shoulder heights of three and a half feet, significant damage can happen if a car and deer collide.
Here are ten steps that could help reduce collisions with deer:
- Drive carefully from dusk to dawn, especially on rural roads.
- Look for jumping deer signs and be aware.
- Scan roadsides for deer eye reflections.
- Brake and stop if an animal is standing in the road.
- Honk your horn in short bursts to scare away wildlife in the road.
- Anticipate more deer if one crosses your path since they are herd animals.
- Use four-way flashers to notify other drivers.
- Set headlights on high when driving on country roads.
- Try not to swerve to avoid hitting wildlife.
- Contact police if you hit a deer and report the accident.
If you have been injured in a collision caused by a deer, our auto accident lawyers may be able to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Contact the experienced personal injury lawyers in Windsor, ON at Greg Monforton & Partners by calling (866) 320-4770.