By Sarah Klein
Manitoba Public Insurance has released its list of the top five areas where drivers are prone to increased deer-vehicle collisions.
The Eastman Region — which includes Steinbach, Lac du Bonnet, Pine Falls, Birds Hill Park area and St. Malo — tops the list as the most collision-heavy area for motorists and deer. MPI determined the findings in data from 2007-2011 with 1,800 yearly collisions.
“The map data is deer-only collisions,” said Ward Keith of MPI. “Motorists are encouraged to be proactive in order to avoid a collision with any animal which may cross a roadway. Many collisions can be avoided if the motorist is aware of their driving surroundings.”
Top 5 deer-vehicle collision regions:
- Eastman Region, 1,800 yearly collisions
- Brandon/Westman, 1,500 yearly collisions
- Interlake, 1,000 yearly collisions
- Pembina Valley, 600 yearly collisions
- Central Plains and Parkland, 500 yearly collisions each
More than 300 people were injured in wildlife-related collisions last year, says the public auto insurer. Three people have died in similar crashes over the last 10 years.
On Wednesday, traffic was halted on St. Mary’s Road near Marion Street when a deer darted into rush hour traffic and collided with a car at about 8 a.m. Another deer reportedly hit a stopped Winnipeg Transit bus on Osborne Street at Morley Avenue about 15 minutes later, according to Canadian Press reporter Steve Lambert.
