Deer season is upon us, which also unfortunately means the risk of wildlife collision is that much higher. From October to December, deer are especially active during dawn and dusk – times of the day where it can extremely dark and tough to identify wildlife on the sides of the road. Wildlife vehicle collisions are a serious threat to the motoring public and can cause severe injuries and even human fatalities. LMBF wants you to stay safe on the road during this time of year. Here are our tips for practicing fall road safety during deer season.

Tip #1: Remain cautious while driving during early morning and late evening

White-tailed deer are primarily nocturnal and crepuscular, meaning that they do the majority of their browsing at dawn and dusk. They can occasionally venture out during daylight hours too, but this is much rarer. During mating season (which is also hunting season and takes place between October to December) it’s important to keep aware and alert of your surroundings when driving in early morning and late evening and assess for any signs of wildlife on the road. Deer are most populous in forested areas, but it’s not unknown for them to also wander into suburban neighbourhoods. Keep cautious, even if where you are isn’t a deer-crossing zone.

Tip #2: Be mindful of deer-crossing zones

Deer-crossing zones are typically posted where deer are most abundant. Be on the lookout in these areas, especially during the aforementioned times of dusk and dawn. Reduce speed if you can and use your high beams. Practice situational awareness.

Tip #3: Take precautions if you plan to drive in the early morning or at night

It can put a strain on your eyes to do a lot of nighttime driving. Typically, driving in the dark during the stretch between October-December is commonplace, as it can get dark as early as 4:30pm. Always be scanning the roadsides and roads ahead. Sometimes with wildlife, you can see the reflection of their eyes in the darkness, even if you can’t see their bodies. Take note of this and reduce speed.

If you are a motorcyclist, you’ll want to practice extra caution. There is a high fatality rate when it comes to motorcycle-deer collisions, as there is nothing to protect you if a deer does hit you.

Tip #4: If you see a deer, be alert

If you see a deer, slow down! Firstly, deer can be unpredictable. That deer could cross the road at any point. Secondly, if you see one deer, there’s probably several more following it just beyond where you can’t see. Deer seldom travel on their own, and they might just be a little ahead of the rest of the herd.

What if a deer decides to cross? Let it pass! Slow down or stop. If a deer freezes in front of your headlights (i.e. where the saying comes from) give your horn one good, long beep. This should deter it enough to get it moving again. After the deer has crossed, continue to drive slowly and carefully. You never know when more deer might pass or if there are others ahead.

Tip #5: In the event of a collision, do not swerve

This tip is going to sound horrible, but if a collision is imminent, then do not swerve. You’ll want to brake as firmly as possible so that you can hit the deer as slowly as you can. Unfortunately, if you swerve, you run the risk of going off the road, hitting another car, or even hitting the deer regardless of if it tries to swerve and avoid you last-minute.

What do you do if you do hit a deer?

Sharing our province with deer is incredible, and seeing them roadside is a sight to behold, but it does present a few problems. What if the inevitable happens, and you do hit a deer?

If you’ve struck a deer, here’s what to do:

• If it is possible and safe to do so, move your vehicle to the side of the road where it is safe. Turn on your hazard lights. If it’s dark and other motorists can’t see you, ideally stay in your car.
• Call 9-1-1.
• Document the incident as best you can once it is safe to leave your car. This is good for expediting the claims process. Be sure to include the damages sustained to your vehicle, the surroundings, and any injuries that you or your passengers received.
• If the animal is still alive, don’t approach it. If it is frightened or wounded, it could hurt you.
• Assess if your vehicle is safe to drive. Check for any loose parts, tire damage, broken lights, or leaking fluid. If your vehicle seems unsafe, you may want to call for emergency roadside services and get it towed.
• Call your insurance representative to begin the claims process.

It doesn’t feel great to hit an animal, but unfortunately accidents do happen. Know that you are not responsible for the medical care of the animal, or for its disposal. Game wardens or local authorities in the animal can deal with any expenses involving the care of the animal, its treatment, or cleanup.

Illegally removing a deer that is no longer living may violate provincial laws, so be sure to acquire any permits or permission if you want to move the animal following the event.LMBF hopes that this article gave you some insights on how to practice fall road safety during hunting season.

For answers on whether wildlife collisions are covered under your comprehensive auto insurance, give one of our brokers a call to discuss.