Collisions between vehicles and deer are dangerous and costly, but you can reduce your risk by knowing when and where you are likely to encounter deer on Saskatchewan roads.
By following a few simple guidelines, you can reduce your risk of a deer-related collision:
In May and June animals are drawn to ditches for road salt and to escape biting insects. In October male deer are on the move just before the breeding season. By November and December, both does and bucks are active, and are often oblivious to traffic. Motorists should pay extra attention during this time and also in June and July when young deer are traveling into new territories.
At any time of year, the highest risk of deer-related accidents is at dawn or dusk when deer are moving between bedding and feeding areas. This means deer are more active when our highways are busy. Of course, the risk also remains high after nightfall when deer are concealed by the darkness.
Roads through wooded areas have a higher rate of deer-related accidents, so drive with caution when you see woody areas or other potential deer cover. Be even more alert if you see clumps of trees or shrubs near the road edge, or if the roadside has a steep bank. Under these conditions, you may not be able to see a deer in time to avoid an accident.
How to give wildlife a brake:
Watch out when driving at dusk or dawn, particularly during spring and fall.
Slow down where deer may be concealed by brush or trees along the road.
Scan the roadsides for deer as you drive. At night, look for the “eye shine” or the light from your headlights reflected by the deer’s eyes.
Be aware of the “hot spots” on roads you frequently travel. Note the areas where you have seen live deer or vehicle-killed deer, and habitat that may contain deer.
Slow down when you see deer crossing the road, as other deer could follow. Never assume that a deer will move predictably – it can often stop or dart back the way it came.
Do not slam on the brakes if there are vehicles behind you. Instead, try to reduce your speed gradually and use your emergency flashers or brake lights to warn others drivers.
Flash your headlights and sound your horn; this will sometimes scare deer from the road.
Keep control of your vehicle. The chances of injury are much greater if you swerve into oncoming traffic or hit a stationary object like a tree, guardrail or barricade.
For sake of your wallet, your health and our wildlife, go slow and save a little doe!
For further information contact: Darrell Crabbe, Executive Director
Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation
dcrabbe.swf@sasktel.net
(306) 692-8812
(306) 630-8780 (Cell)
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