Motorists, Beware of Deer

With the whitetail deer of Virginia entering the breeding season, motorists should be cautiously aware of their movement during this time of year.

From July 1st 2004 until June 30th 2005, Virginia ranked 7th in states with highest number of crashes involving deer. State Farm Insurance rank Virginia 12th in the likelihood of a collision with a deer.

“We want motorist to be aware of the potential of deer crashes during this time of year and provide them with the information that will aid them in the possible prevention of such a crash occurring” said Janet Brooking, Executive Director of Drive Smart Virginia.

These creatures, both male and female, are very unaware of vehicles on the roadways when their animal instincts come into play. Their movements increase and you should be on high alert during dusk and early evening and pre-dawn to mid-morning. Most deer stay within a one-mile radius, but they may venture further in search of members of the opposite sex, food or water. Also remember that deer roam in herds, so where you see one deer, others will be close by.

Here are tips that motorist should remember:

* Drivers should keep their headlights on high beam unless they are meeting another vehicle and keep an ever watchful eye on the edges of the woods and fields next to the highway.

* If a deer is seen entering your vehicle’s path, apply brakes without locking the brakes. You can lose traction and control if you lock-up or slide the tires. This is not a problem for some late model vehicles, which have anti-lock brakes.

* Be aware of posted deer crossings.

* DO NOT SWERVE TO MISS A DEER. You could lose control of your vehicle, strike a tree or ditch bank and overturn, or strike another vehicle. Fatal crashes or injuries during crashes are rare when just a deer is struck.

* Remember that deer often travel together, so if you see one, others may be nearby and ready to dash in front of you.

If you strike a deer, you should contact law enforcement as soon as possible, if the damage is over $1,000.00. A vehicle crash report is required to be submitted to the Department of Motor Vehicles under these circumstances. The deer must be tagged and the driver may keep the deer if so desired. Contacting law enforcement also helps with the notification of the Department of Transportation for disposal of the deer.