Deer Season
Posted: October 25th, 2011 | Author: jsabuilder | Filed under: Safety Tip | No Comments »
It is deer season again, all across North America. Rutting, or breeding, season can extend from September through February, which means deer are likely to be more active now. In Washington State, “more than half of all deer/vehicle collisions occur in October and November,” (Washington State, Department of Fish and Wildlife). Deer are also likely to travel in groups, so if you see one preparing to cross the road, there will likely be others as well. Deer tend to live at the edge of suburban environments bordering nature lands and woods or water, and they tend to travel and dawn and dusk, typical commuter hours. “Deer can be seen crossing roadways at any time of day, but typically are most active and dawn and dusk,” former New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Comissioner Lisa P. Jackson, 9/24/08, motorist alert.
A couple key points –
• Be especially alert to the presence of deer at dawn and dusk hours, and consider driving more defensively at these times.
• If you see a deer, slow down as there are likely others following.
• Do not attempt to drive around a deer – wait until it has moved.
• Be sure all passengers are wearing seatbelts at all times.
• Headlights may confuse a deer, and in their confusion they may stop or behave erratically, rather than continue to cross the road. Honk your horn to alert them you are coming, or startle them back into movement.
• If collision is imminent, DO NOT swerve to miss the deer, but brake lightly and continue on your course. “Insurance adjusters claim that more car damage and personal injury is caused when drivers attempt to avoid collision with a deer and instead collide with guardrails or roll down grades,” (Washington State, Department of Fish and Wildlife). Remember, the deer is erratic so swerving to miss it may still result in hitting it – or another driver.
• If you hit a deer, follow all emergency and legal requirements for medical attention, insurance and law enforcement. Contact local law enforcement to move the animal, rather than trying to help it (if alive) or move it (if dead) on your own. A frightened, wounded deer may hurt you if you try to make contact, or injure itself further.
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