DOT: Watch For Deer on the Roads in Fall
Transportation officials asked motorists to be cautious this fall when more deer on the roads increases the potential for accidents.
Posted — UpdatedThe majority of traffic accidents involving deer occur between October and December, when mating and hunting seasons make deer more active. Accidents with nocturnal deer are most likely between 5 p.m. and 7 a.m.
The state Department of Transportation gave these suggestions to avoid collisions with deer:
- Slow down in posted deer-crossing areas and heavily wooded areas, especially during the dark hours of fall.
- Drive with high beams on, when possible, and watch out for eyes reflecting in the headlights.
- Deer often travel in groups, so do not assume that all is clear if one deer has already passed.
- Do not swerve to avoid contact with deer. This could cause the vehicle to flip or veer into oncoming traffic, causing a more serious crash.
Of the 15,000 animal-related accidents reported statewide each year, 90 percent involve deer. Between 2004 and 2006, such accidents caused 17 human deaths, nearly 3,000 human injuries and $107 million in property damage.
Wake County leads the state with the highest number of animal-related collisions at 2,637 for that same period. Johnston County ranked 5th with 1,249.
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