In efforts to raise awareness about deer collisions, Manitoba’s public auto insurer has posted two, ‘hot zones’ maps on its website at mpi.mb.ca.
On average, there are about 6,800 vehicle-deer collisions each year in Manitoba, resulting in about 300 injuries to occupants in the vehicles. In addition to the human cost, the economic cost for all wildlife/vehicle collisions is about $33 million.
“The maps capture four years (2007-11) of collected data,” said MaryAnn Kempe, vice-president, Community and Corporate Relations, Manitoba Public Insurance. “The data is deer-only collisions. The maps are a valuable visual tool for Manitoba motorists to use when travelling throughout the province.”
When travelling in a ‘hot spot’ zone, motorists are encouraged to lower their speed to give themselves more time and distance to stop. The posted speed limit is for ideal conditions. Drivers are expected to adjust their speed for road conditions, which may mean driving below the posted limit if there is wildlife in the area and visibility is low.
Recently, Manitoba Public Insurance released its Top 5 deer/vehicle collision regions. The Eastman Region – which includes communities Steinbach, Lac du Bonnet, Pine Falls, Birds Hill Park area and St. Malo – holds the dubious distinction of being the province’s No. 1 area for vehicle-deer collisions. There are about 1,800 collisions yearly within this region, based on statistics collected by Manitoba Public Insurance from 2007 to 2011.
Rounding out the province’s Top 5 deer/vehicle collision regions:
• Brandon/Westman: 1,500 yearly collisions
• Interlake: 1,000 yearly collisions
• Pembina Valley: 600 yearly collisions
• Central Plains and Parkland: 500 yearly collisions each
