Driver Killed In Bizarre Deer Chain Reaction Crash In Orangeville

It came out of nowhere. And it was an encounter that proved deadly.

A motorist has been killed near Orangeville because of a dashing deer.

The freak accident took place on Highway 10 in Mono Township but it wasn’t what you immediately think about during an encounter with wildlife and a car.

The driver who hit the animal wasn’t the one who suffered the fatal injury. Instead, the wounded deer was thrown directly into the path of a Jeep going the other way, and the impact killed the driver inside that car.

While there are usually warnings posted in areas where wildlife is prone to cross busy highways, cops maintain the only way to be completely safe is to be sure you’re aware of the signs and stay vigilant – even if everything seems clear.

“This year has been actually a very busy year for deer collisions,” reveals O.P.P. Cst. Marc Walsh. “Dawn and dusk, they do cross the roads more frequently and just be aware of them. Watch your speed, watch the road conditions and just look after yourself. Make sure you get home safely.”

Ironically, the motorist that hit the animal suffered only minor injuries.

Drivers in Toronto don’t usually have to contend with anything more than a squirrel, a raccoon or a skunk running in front of their car. Most of us go out of our way not to hit them, but even if the worst happens, only the animal is likely to suffer injury or death. Motorists and our cars don’t.

Deer and other larger animals are a different story. And if you drive outside the city limits on a regular basis, it happens a lot more often than you might think. According to The Ministry of Transport:

• There’s a collision between a car and a wild animal every 39 minutes in this province.
• One out of every 17 collisions involves a wild animal.
• Most go unreported, but in 2004, there were at least 134,592 of them on the books.
• 89 percent of them happen on two-lane roads outside urban areas.
• And a surprising 84 percent take place when the weather is good.

The months when you’re most at risk: May and June, when animals seek road salt in ditches and try to escape biting insects. The other peak times: October, November and December, during the migration and mating seasons.

What should you do if you encounter an animal in the road?

• Drive slower, especially at night or at dawn when you’re in an area where deer have been seen. Those extra few seconds to slow down can make a huge difference to you, your car and the animal.
• Stay in control of your car. Swerving suddenly can lead you right into the path of an oncoming vehicle.
• Brake if you see a wild creature in your way. You can’t assume it will move  – it may be frozen in place in fear.
• Watch for others. Where there’s one deer there are often many more following.