Frisky, hungry deer can cause crashes across Ontario, police warn

Drivers in southern Ontario and across the province are being cautioned by police to be on the lookout for deer on highways and other roads over the next few months.

Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police said drivers should keep their eyes open for the large animals.

“As we transition into the fall season, (we’re) reminding drivers to remain vigilant for deer on roadways. This time of year, deer activity increases, leading to a higher risk of collisions between vehicles and wildlife,” OPP said in a news release this week.

Police added deer become more active this time of year “due to mating season” and because they’re often on the move searching for food during the fall.

“This can lead to unexpected encounters with vehicles, especially at dawn and dusk when visibility is reduced,” Wellington County OPP said, adding drivers across the entire province and not only in the area they patrol (north of Kitchener-Waterloo and Guelph) should be on the lookout.

Police offer the following tips for drivers:

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• stay alert and keep an eye out for deer crossing signs and be especially cautious in areas known for high deer populations
• slower speeds give you more time to react if a deer suddenly appears on the road
• when driving at night, use high beams when possible to increase visibility, but switch to low beams when approaching other vehicles to avoid blinding them
• if you see one deer, be on the lookout for more as they often travel in groups
• if a collision seems imminent, it’s safer to brake firmly rather than swerving, which could lead to losing control of your vehicle or colliding with another car
• if you hit a deer, report the incident to OPP. This helps track deer populations and road safety
• if you see a deer near the road, reduce your speed and be prepared to stop. Honk your horn to alert the deer and signal other drivers