Watch out for Deer
Deer-vehicle collisions are an ongoing safety issue.
· According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, there are an estimated 1.5 million deer-vehicle collisions nationwide each year.
· These cause more than 150 fatalities and tens of thousands of injuries.
· They also cause more than a billion dollars in property damage.
Certain times of year are more dangerous than others.
· Most deer-vehicle collisions occur in the months of October, November, and December, particularly during hunting season.
· The peak collision period is the first two weeks of November.
· Other high-risk times include the last week of October and the month of January.
· The highest-risk hours are between sunset and midnight and shortly before and after sunrise.
To help avoid a collision, be cautious.
· Stay awake, alert and sober.
· Always wear your seatbelt.
· Drive at a safe, sensible speed for conditions.
· Increase the distance between yourself and the vehicle in front of you, especially in wooded areas.
· Deliberately look for deer, particularly when driving during peak collision times.
· Be extra cautious in areas where deer commonly cross roads and where roads divide fields from forests.
· When driving at night, use high-beam headlights - which illuminate deer eyes - when there is no opposing traffic.
When deer are near, be careful.
· Slow down and blow your horn to urge the deer to leave the road - never rely on devices such as deer whistles, deer fences, and reflectors to deter deer.
· If the deer stays on the road, stop, put on your hazard lights, and wait for the deer to leave the roadway.
· Never try to drive around a deer while it's on the road.
· Never swerve your vehicle to avoid striking a deer - if a collision is imminent, hit it while maintaining full control of your vehicle.
If a crash happens, take steps to avoid further risk.
· Keep your distance to avoid injuries.
· Keep an eye out for other deer, as they frequently travel single-file in groups.
· If the deer is blocking the roadway, contact the Game Commission or a local law enforcement agency.
