Here’s how to reduce the risk of wildlife-related motor collisions

An undated stock image of a deer crossing road sign on side of a country road. (File photo/iStockPhoto)

With the autumn season well on its way, OPP want to remind motorists to drive safely as they see increased presence of wildlife on the road.

According to police, there have been over 6000 wildlife related vehicle collisions over the past three years.

They say that deer account for 82 per cent of them with most incidents peaking in November between 6 - 8 a.m. and 5 -10 p.m.

Police also note hotspots for wildlife activity include provincial parks, Highway 11, 35, and 118, and roads in Bracebridge, Haliburton Highlands, Kawartha Lakes, and Peterborough.

To reduce the risk of accidents, police say to slowdown when driving through wildlife crossing zones, use high beams when safe to do so, be extra alert, and when you see one deer to expect more.