Car Accidents With Deer Increase During Fall
Have you been seeing more deer over the last couple of weeks? With the peak of the breeding season upon us it will not be unusual to see deer at dusk and dawn and even throughout the day. While the breeding season actually can run from October into January the peak of the activity is taking place now through the end of November. This increased deer activity can pose a problem for drivers in an urban setting. What can you do to reduce your chances of being involved in a deer vehicle accident?
- Slow down — particularly during dawn and dusk periods. Not only are deer more active during these low light periods but in our urban area we have very heavy traffic during these time frames.
- If you see a deer cross the road ahead of you be prepared to stop as they often travel in small groups.
- If a collision is unavoidable try not to swerve out of the way. Many drivers suffer death or serious injury when they veer into oncoming traffic or into a fixed object (like a tree or telephone pole) when trying to avoid a deer that is in the roadway.
- If a deer is spotted in the roadway try honking your horn and flashing your lights to get it to move.
- Wear a seat belt. You have a much better chance to walk away from a collision with a deer if you and all your passengers are wearing seat belts.
- If you strike a deer drive to a safe location and call law enforcement officials. Do not walk on roadways.
- Heed deer crossing and speed limit signs.
- Drive carefully in areas known to have high deer populations and in areas where you have seen deer before. Deer have regular travel patterns so if you have seen them in an area before they will most likely pass through the area again.
