South Bruce OPP are providing tips to avoid colliding into deer following 10 recent collisions.
Police say between March 21 at 7:30 p.m. and 10:30 a.m. on April 3, officers responded to 10 crashes involving deer. While no injuries were reported at any of these incidents, police say there are tips to avoid hitting the animal.
-Be especially attentive from sunset to midnight and during the hours shortly before and after sunrise. These are the highest risk time for deer-vehicle collisions.
-Drive with caution when moving through areas known to have a large deer population. Remember deer seldom run alone. If you see one deer, others may be nearby.
-When driving at night, use high beam headlights when there is no oncoming traffic. The high beams will better illuminate the eyes of deer on or near the roadway.
-Slow down and blow your horn with one long blast to frighten the deer away.
-Brake firmly when you notice a deer in or near your path but stay in your lane. Many serious crashes occur when drivers swerve to avoid a deer and hit another vehicle or lose control of their cars.
-Always wear your seat belt. Most people injured in deer-vehicle crashes were not wearing their seat belt.
-Do not rely on devices such as deer whistles, deer fences and reflectors to deter deer. Slow down, stay in control and stay alert.