Spike in collisions involving animals

If you’ve driven through Northwestern Ontario, you’ve seen roadkill—animals that have been killed by passing traffic.
You may have run over a small animal on the road yourself. Or you may even have had the unsettling experience of striking a large animal.
Last month, the Dryden OPP investigated 37 motor vehicle collisions, 22 of which involved animals (i.e., deer, bear, and moose).
What can you do to avoid hitting an animal?
There is no guarantee that you will never have to deal with a vehicle/animal collision, but the following tips may help you from hitting an animal on the highway:
•Keep your eyes open and your senses ready for an animal to appear;
•If you travel during the early-morning hours or evenings, give yourself enough time to be able to reduce your driving speed during these dangerous hours and still make your destination on time;
•Never assume you’re in safe territory just because an area is more residential or there is fencing up along the roadway;
•Pay attention to animal crossing signs;
•Know that driving conditions vary widely based on weather conditions, time of year, and time of day;
•Learn to recognize the glowing eyes of deer and other animals along the side of the road, and slow down as soon as you see any;
•Read the owner’s manual to understand just how your braking system works; and
•Never operate your vehicle under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
The OPP wants you to be as safe as possible as you travel our highways and roads, and hopes these tips will help keep you and your loved ones safe year-round!