Sharing the roads with animals: Here’s what you need to know

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

Although some winter weather has swept across the region, the fall season is still here, which is peak time for wildlife on the roads, police say.

Orillia Ontario Provincial police are alerting drivers to watch out for wildlife on our roadways this winter. They say that shorter days create a higher risk for accidents involving animals.

There are some precautions motorists can take when having to share the road with wildlife.

If motorists do happen to come across an animal while driving, police say to slow down and stay in the lane. Swerving to avoid the animal might feel like the instinctual action to take, authorities say it often results in collisions because drivers tend to lose control of the vehicle.

Police say that motorists are most likely to encounter deer and other animals at dawn and dusk. They recommend staying alert in rural areas and scanning the road and shoulders ahead.

Police also suggest that when using high beams, ensuring they are turned off when there’s oncoming traffic. They say while the high beams help to spot the animals sooner, they’ll appear dimmed for the cars coming in the opposite direction, if not turned off.

Finally, police encourage motorists to report any large animals spotted on the roads.