Manitoba’s top five worst areas for deer-vehicle accidents
According to Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) claims data, October and November are the worst months for deer-vehicle accidents in the province. MPI says in the last three years, Manitobans have reported about 10,000 crashes per year with wild animals, costing about $30 million each year in property damage and injuries. MPI said about 6,600 are accidents involving deer.
The provincial insurer says the Eastman Region of the province – which includes Steinbach, Lac de Bonnet, Pine Falls, Birds Hill and St. Malo – is the worst area for deer-vehicle accidents, with about 1,800 each year.
The top five worst areas for collisions between deer and vehicles are:
- Eastman Region – average 1,800 yearly collisions
- Brandon/Westman – 1,510
- Interlake – 977
- Pembina Valley – 674
- Central Plains – 547
MPI has created two maps – one for Winnipeg and one for rural Manitoba – showing the highest-risk and high-risk areas for these types of accidents:
Map shows high-risk areas for deer-vehicle collisions in Manitoba. (Click to enlarge)
Map shows high-risk areas for deer-vehicle collisions in Winnipeg. (Click to enlarge)
“The maps captured four years (2006-09) of collected data,” said Ted Hlynsky, Vice-President Claims Control and Safety Operations with Manitoba Public Insurance.
“The captured data is deer-only collisions. The maps are a valuable visual tool for Manitoba motorists to use when travelling throughout the province.”
MPI offers the following tips for staying safe, especially in high-risk areas:
Tips to help keep you safe:
Slow down
- when you see wildlife crossing signs
- especially at dawn, dusk and at night
- where brush and tall grass grow near the road
- drive at a speed at which you will be able to stop within the zone of your headlights
Watch carefully
- scan the roadside for animals — get your passengers to help
- watch for the reflection of headlights in the eyes of a deer, or a dark silhouette
- use your high beams at night but remember to dim them for traffic coming the other way and when following another vehicle closely
If an animal crosses…
- dim your headlights—your brights may cause a deer to freeze on the road
- slow down and be prepared to stop
- blow your horn to scare the animal away
- avoid hard swerving—you may lose control
- brake firmly to reduce the impact between an animal and your vehicle
If you hit an animal…
- don’t touch it—it may hurt you
- move your car off the road if possible, and call the police or have someone call for you
You might also be interested in: Wild animal warning system for cars
