DEER COLLISIONS ON THE RISE
HURON COUNTY – November is traditionally the peak month for collisions between deer and vehicles on roads across Huron County, according to statistics compiled by Huron County OPP.
Already in November, there have been 14 reported collisions involving deer for Huron County. November 2011 Huron County OPP had 96 reported collisions involving deer.
Collisions with deer happen throughout the year, however there are two peak periods when the risk of a collision is highest: May and June and from October to January.
This October, Huron County OPP had 47 reported collisions with deer compared to 38 from October of 2011. The bulk of the collisions are taking place just before sunrise and around sunset.
OPP have these suggestions for drivers in order to reduce the risk of hitting deer:
- SLOW down. Drive with extra care and caution in areas that are known to have high deer populations. Obey the yellow wildlife warning signs that indicate increased risk;
- WATCH carefully. Scanning the roadway up ahead from shoulder to shoulder. When you see wildlife such as a deer near the roadway, slow down and pass with care as they may suddenly bolt onto the road. Where there is one deer there is quite likely a second nearby;
- Use your high beams at night. Your headlights will illuminate the glowing eyes of animals;
- Don’t Veer for Deer. Stay in control. Never swerve suddenly; this could lead to a loss of control and potentially a deadly collision; and
- Brake firmly if an animal is standing on or crossing the road. Never assume the animal will move out of your way.
If you do hit a deer:
- Stay calm and pull your vehicle off to the side of the road as far as possible. Put on your four-way flashers. Be visible and be aware of other vehicles when outside of your vehicle; and
- Call 9-1-1 if you or your passengers are injured. If nobody is injured and the dollar value of the damage exceeds $1,000, you are required to report the collision to police as soon as possible. Use the non-emergent line, 1-888-310-1122.
SPEEDING – OPEN ALCOHOL- OVER 80 CHARGES
ASHFIELD-COLBORNE-WAWANOSH – On Oct. 31, 2012 just after 1 p.m., a Huron County OPP officer conducting RADAR patrol on Blyth Road in Auburn observed a blue Chevrolet Silverado speeding along Blyth Road at 77km/h in a 50-km/h zone.
Upon speaking with the male driver, officers noted he had been drinking alcohol and also observed open alcohol inside the pickup truck. As a result, a 60-year-old man from Dundalk has been charged with driving with more than 80 mg of alcohol, speeding and driving with an open container of alcohol.
He has a court date scheduled for Ontario Court of Justice – Goderich on Dec. 3, 2012. He received an automatic 90-day driver’s licence suspension.
