The Eastman region continues to lead the way in Manitoba when it comes to collisions involving vehicles and deer.

Brian Smiley is Media Relations Coordinator with Manitoba Public Insurance. He says the Eastman region, which includes communities like Steinbach, Lac du Bonnet, Anola, Birds Hill Park and Falcon Lake, has now led the way for about five straight years.

Based on statistics collected from 2013 to 2017, there are nearly 7,000 collisions annually involving vehicles and deer. Manitoba's top five regions includes Eastman (1,700 collisions), Westman (1,585 collisions), Interlake (1,200 collisions), Pembina Valley (665 collisions) and Central Plains (640 collisions).

Smiley suggests Eastman has the highest number of collisions because of its large deer population.

This is also the time of year when most collisions occur. Smiley says that can be attributed to the fact this is mating season for the animals.

"They are very transient, they are moving from area to area," he says. "And unfortunately during their travels, they are crossing over roadways and in some situations getting involved in vehicle/ deer collisions."

Smiley would like to offer a few tips to motorists in an attempt to reduce the number of wildlife-related collisions. He says the number one thing is to drive defensively, especially if it is along a road that is located beside brush. He also suggests asking passengers to be on the lookout for animals, noting headlights can catch eye glare from wildlife that is feeding on the sides of roads.

If an animal crosses in front of your vehicle, Smiley says it is important to apply your brakes but to stay in your lane.

"The last thing you want to do is swerve your vehicle," he says. "You may lose control, you may collide with an oncoming vehicle or you may lose control and roll in the ditch."

On average, about 400 people are injured in wildlife-related collisions each year in Manitoba. Deer collisions cost MPI between $25 and $30 million annually.