By Staff
The amount of deer crossing the road this fall seems to be on the increase. The ones which just passed a vehicle might have left a few on the the other side of the road.
With hunting season, deer are especially on the move in our rural areas.
October through December is the peak time for car-deer crashes, during their season of mating and migrating.
Dawn to dusk is the most dangerous time, so be on alert.
These crashes average $2,000 damage and, in some 150 cases a year, death to the driver along with the deer.
Still, car-deer crashes can sometimes be avoided, if the driver is cautious and remembers a few hints offered by the insurance industry:
Don't rely on the ultrasonic deer avoidance systems on your vehicle. They haven't been proven to work.
Swerving is not the answer, as the deer may move the same way, you may hit another vehicle or lose control and veer off the roadway. Braking and remaining in your lane are recommended.
Remember, where there is one deer, there are often more.
Be especially cautious where the woods come close to the road and a deer could appear without warning.
When seeing deer standing on the side of the road, slow down and be prepared for a sudden dash in front of your vehicle.
Be vigilant at dawn and dusk, use your high beam when you can and slow down, especially around curves.