highway11The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry is asking motorists to be extra cautious on Ontario roads this spring as wildlife becomes more active.

Reduce your collision risk:

  • Watch — Scan the entire road right-of-way ahead.  Moose, elk and deer are particularly active in the spring, especially at dawn and dusk, as they search for food. Deer rarely travel alone, so when you see one there are likely more nearby.

Motorists seeing these animals along the road should slow down and sound their horn in a series of short bursts. Especially at night, these animals can run onto the road when disoriented by headlights.

At night, motorists should blink their headlights to warn the animals and give them a chance to move out of the way.

Motorists should take extra care:

  • where roads cross creeks or rivers
  • in wooded corridors
  • where field edges run at a right angle to the road
  • where fences meet roads
  • where wildlife crossing signs are posted.

Stay in Control — Watch your speed and be careful when driving at night. Slowing down will give you more time to respond.

Brake and Stop — Brake firmly if an animal is standing on or crossing the road, stopping if necessary. Swerving to avoid hitting a wild animal may result in loss of control and a more serious collision.

For more information, check out the Ministry of Transportation’s tips for motorists in Ontario.