The Eastman region again ranks number one when it comes to collisions in Manitoba involving vehicles and deer.

Manitoba Public Insurance takes a five year average when comparing collision statistics. From 2015 to 2019 there were nearly 9,000 vehicle/ deer collisions annually in Manitoba. Of those, more than 2,000 were in the Eastman region.

MPI spokesperson Brian Smiley says Eastman is made up of a number of communities including Steinbach, Lac du Bonnet, Anola, Birds Hill Park and Falcon Lake. He says these are large areas with a lot of bush and a lot of fields.

"The number one ranking is likely attributed to the very large deer population that are in those areas," explains Smiley.

Rounding out the top five worst regions are Westman (1,980 annual collisions), Interlake (1,530), Central Plains (840) and Parkland (790).

Smiley says October and November are the two worst months of the year for these types of collisions. He notes that is likely because deer are on the move due to rutting season. The worst times of day are at dusk and dawn.

Smiley says motorists need to be very diligent and watch for eye glare on the side of the road. He encourages passengers to help out by keeping watch as well.

If an animal crosses the path of your vehicle at the last second, Smiley says you should apply your brakes, keep both hands on the steering wheel and stay in your lane.

"Do not swerve," he cautions. "Swerving can cause you to go into oncoming traffic, swerving may cause you to lose control and roll in the ditch. You can sustain a very serious if not fatal injury."

According to MPI, on average more than 450 people are injured in wildlife related collisions annually. Over the last decade there have been nine people killed in Manitoba from crashes involving animals. Smiley says MPI pays out approximately $25 to $30 million annually for wildlife related collisions.