Driving Tips > Safety Columns
Steer clear of wild animals
Collisions between vehicles and
wild animals, such as deer, are at
their peak in the fall. Wild animals
are especially active from dusk through dawn, meaning they're more likely to be crossing the road.
To avoid hitting a wild animal:
- Slow down during peak hours in high risk areas so you have more time to react.
- Use your high beams when possible.
- Be alert and scan the roadside.
- Watch for an animal's eyes reflecting off of your headlights at night.
If a wild animal, such as a deer, crosses in front of your vehicle:
- Dim your headlights – bright lights can cause animals to freeze.
- Brake firmly.
- Avoid hard swerving. You could roll or crash into another vehicle and cause an even more serious injury to yourself or others.
- Blow your horn to try scaring the animal off the road.
If you do hit a wild animal, move your car off the road and turn your flashers on. In Winnipeg, call 311 to remove the animal. Outside of the city, call your local road authority. Do not try to move or touch the animal.
For more information, check out our website and watch The 60-Second Driver on CTV.
