We have reached the time of the year when motorists are finding themselves more frequently sharing the road with wildlife.

Brian Smiley with Manitoba Public Insurance says October and November are historically the two worst months of the year for collisions involving vehicles and deer. And, the Eastman region once again ranks number one when it comes to the number of collisions annually.

According to MPI, there are more than 14,000 vehicle-wildlife collisions each year in our province. The five worst regions for vehicle-deer collisions are:

  1. Eastman - 2,170 yearly collisions
  2. Westman - 2,150 yearly collisions
  3. Interlake - 1,700 yearly collisions
  4. Central Plains - 910 yearly collisions
  5. Parkland - 900 yearly collisions

These numbers are based on statistics from 2016 to 2020.

The Eastman region consists of communities like Steinbach, Lac du Bonnet, Anola, Birds Hill Park and Falcon Lake. Smiley says there are a number of reasons why it is the worst region for collisions, including high deer populations and lots of bush area. And, Smiley says the reason why this is the worst time of the year for collisions is because it is rutting season for the deer, which are very transient and are crossing roadways while moving from region to region.

According to MPI, on average nearly 500 people are injured each year in wildlife-related collisions in Manitoba. Over the last decade, a total of nine people have lost their lives in our province as a result of crashes caused by an animal on the road.

Meanwhile, Smiley has offered a few tips in an effort to try and prevent wildlife collisions. First, he encourages motorists to slow down when they see a wildlife crossing sign and to drive with extreme caution while scanning the road ahead as well as the shoulders and ditches.

"If you have a passenger in the front seat, ask them to help you out," he suggests. "Ask them to help and look for the eye glare and then you be prepared to stop."

He says animals are normally more active at dawn, dusk and at night and he advises motorists to be especially alert where brush and tall grass grow near the road. Smiley encourages motorists to watch for the reflection of headlights in the eyes of a deer, or a dark silhouette.

And finally, Smiley says if an animal crosses in front of your vehicle, do not swerve. He suggests braking firmly to reduce the impact between the animal and your vehicle.