Ottawa (July 31, 2008) - The number of deer-vehicle collisions on Ottawa roadways dropped for a second year in a row last fall and posted the lowest rate in nearly a decade, according to the Integrated Road Safety Program (IRSP).

With an average of 344 deer-vehicle collisions occurring on Ottawa roadways between 2003 and 2005 (during the months of October and November – the peak period for the movement of deer), the IRSP initiated the Speeding Costs You Deerly campaign in 2006, and the number of collisions dropped to 298 – a 13 per cent reduction. The campaign ran again last fall and collisions were further reduced by 21 per cent, with 236 collisions reported.

“I am pleased with the success of the Speeding Costs You Deerly campaign and proud of the ongoing efforts to make Ottawa roadways safer for all residents,” said Mayor Larry O’Brien. “One of my top priorities is public safety and the Integrated Road Safety Program plays an important role in sustaining and improving safety for our citizens.”

“What makes this achievement great is the fact that these reductions occurred in the midst of a recent deer population explosion,” said Councillor Maria McRae, Chair of the City’s Transportation Committee. “Ottawa is the highest-ranked area for deer-vehicle collisions in Ontario. When you apply the Ontario Ministry of Transportation’s social cost calculations, the drop in these collisions resulted in an estimated $920,000 savings in personal and property damage costs for Ottawa residents.”

The Speeding Costs You Deerly campaign focuses on reducing deer-vehicle collisions by encouraging motorists to be more aware and reduce speeds to increase reaction time. Following the first edition of the campaign, a Decima survey showed that 62 per cent of Ottawa residents recalled the campaign, and the key messaging resonated with 71 per cent of those respondents.

In 2007, the Ontario Ministry of Transportation presented the campaign with the province’s Road Safety Achievement Award for 2006.

The Integrated Road Safety Program is a partnership between Ottawa Police, Ottawa’s Public Health and Public Works departments, and community partners. The “Speeding Costs You Deerly” campaign was assisted by the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, Ontario Ministry of Transportation, Canadian Automobile Association North & East Ontario and Ontario Provincial Police.

For more information on the many Integrated Road Safety campaigns, visit www.ottawa.ca/roadsafety.

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