OPP investigating several collisions involving animals

Police are urging motorists to drive with caution after seven collisions involving animals happened in the past week.

The Killaloe Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) said no drivers were injured in any of the collisions. 

There were three deer collisions in the Madawaska Valley Township, one on Sept. 20 and two on Sept. 23. Additionally, police said there was a deer collision in Brudenell, Lyndoch and Raglan Township on Sept. 23. 

In North Algona Wilberforce Township, a vehicle hit a bear on Sept. 20 and on the afternoon of Sept. 23, a collision involving a moose was reported in Algonquin Provincial Park. 

Police added that on Sept. 24, a dog was hit by a vehicle in Bonnechere Valley Township. 

“If you spot an animal on the road ahead, stay in control, reduce your speed as much as possible and steer in a straight direction,” police said. “Avoid changing your direction quickly as this increases the risk of losing control, running off the roadway, and rolling your vehicle. This also increases the likelihood of sustaining greater damage to your vehicle and serious injury.”

Police recommend the following to ensure a safe journey:

• Scan the ditches and not just the road ahead of you. You may spot deer or other wildlife approaching the road and be able to take precautions;
• Where you see one deer, expect more;
• Slow down. The slower you go, the more time you have to react should you encounter any wildlife on the roadway;
• Wildlife can move across roads at any time of the day or night;
• Watch for glowing eyes at night;
• Don't veer for animals. Reduce your speed quickly, steer straight, and stay in control;
• Don't be distracted behind the wheel; 
• Ensure you are wearing your seatbelt. If you need to stop in a hurry, you want your body restrained to prevent unnecessary injury or death.