Don't ‘fall’ victim to wildlife collisions

CAA North & East Ontario
News Release

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OTTAWA - Along with beautiful foliage, autumn brings with it active wildlife and, unfortunately, an increased number of vehicle collisions with animals. This fall, CAA North & East Ontario (CAANEO) would like to remind motorists to exercise caution and vigilance when driving, as October, November and December are peak periods for wildlife collisions.

"The Ottawa area continues to top the list for the highest number of wildlife collisions in Ontario," said Korey Kennedy, Manager of Public & Government Affairs for CAANEO. "Motorists have to pay special attention during the months of October, November and December as they represent the mating and migration period for many animals, a time when the highest number of collisions occur. Animals can often act unpredictably, so the need to exercise greater caution on the roads this fall cannot be emphasized enough."

With 886 incidents, Ottawa is ranked by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) as the number one region for wildlife collisions, followed by Simcoe County (656), Kenora (521), Lanark County (481), and Thunder Bay (463). MTO estimates that a vehicle collision with wildlife happens every 37 minutes in the province, and one out of every 17 motor vehicle collisions involves wildlife. The average adult deer can weigh between 55 and 114 kg, more than four times the weight of a medium-sized boulder.

For many areas in Ontario, the first weeks of November represent the start of hunting season. This means wildlife can jump out suddenly as a result of being chased. CAANEO reminds drivers that your best defense against a wildlife collision is to reduce your speed. Doing this will increase your time to safely react and avoid an accident.

Some other tips are:

- Constantly scan the roadway and its shoulders

- Use your high beams whenever possible

- Take notice of wildlife warning signs

- Should you see a deer on the shoulder or side of the road, slow down and take caution; deer reactions are unpredictable

- Often time wildlife travel in groups, if you see one there may be others you don't see

For over 100 years, the Canadian Automobile Association has provided Travel, Emergency Road Services, Insurance, and Advocacy for its Members. CAA North & East Ontario continues to be the leading membership organization by recognizing and promoting its heritage and integrity in the community, while maximizing Members' value.

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