Huron County OPP warn motorists to beware of deer danger zones

(HURON COUNTY, ON) -  Watch out for deer! Motorists need to take extra caution this time of the year when travelling throughout Huron County.

November is the month when this area experiences the highest number of motor vehicle collisions involving deer. Collisions with deer certainly happen throughout the calendar year; however, the two peak periods are from October to January, and from May to June. 
 

Just 10 days into November, 2015, and the Huron County OPP has already investigated 31 collisions involving deer. Last year, Huron OPP investigated a total of 71 collisions involving deer for the month of November. It should be noted that nearly one-quarter of the 1,038 collisions investigated year-to-date by Huron County OPP, have involved deer hits.
     

A deeper analysis into the Motor Vehicle – Animal collisions that Huron County OPP has investigated from 2010 to 2014, has identified some “Hot Spots” throughout the county. What is a “Hot Spot?” Essentially, it is an area where the number of Motor Vehicle - Animal collisions is higher than what might be expected by random chance. A total of 1,474 Motor Vehicle – Animal collisions was analyzed to identify the following “Hot Spots”:
 

• 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 the vehicle leaving the roadway. A simple fender bender has now turned into a serious and sometimes deadly collision.   
 

Unfortunately some animal collisions are completely unavoidable.
    

• 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-emergency line, 1-888-310-1122.
   

Be Alert, Slow Down and Drive with Care at all times, especially in those “Hot Spots."