Outdoors

Drive safely: More deer on highways due to mating season

If you've noticed more deer on the highways, that's because it's mating season.

Posted Updated

By
Leslie Moreno
, WRAL reporter

If you’ve noticed more deer on the highways, that’s because it’s mating season.

If you happen to get into a deer-related crash, it could take a very long time to get your car fixed, experts tell WRAL News. Some repairs will cost a minimum of $5,000.

Todd McGee with Johnson Auto Body said he currently has five cars in the shop waiting on estimates for repairs.

Nash County Sheriff Keith Stone said drivers should not swerve to avoid deer.

“Never ever cross that centerline to avoid a deer," said Stone. "It’s not worth a person's life.”

Stone said his office responds to several deer collisions a night.

McGee said they’re seeing several a week.

“We had to repair one last year that was $45,000 in damage," said McGee. "They can really tear some stuff up.”

If you hit a deer and have to get your car repaired, with supply chain issues and delays, you may be waiting almost two months.

“It used to be two weeks and you can get anything fixed. Now it’s taking a month to six weeks," said McGee. "It’s hard for people who have limitations on rental coverage. Most people only have 30 days on their policy.”

With it getting darker much earlier, more people are driving during the night, which also contributes to more deer-related crashes.

“Look on the shoulder of the road, scan the highway as you’re driving," advised Stone. "If you’re in an area known to have deer, reduce your speed."

AAA said deer are most active between 5 and 8 a.m. and again between 5 and 8 p.m.

AAA shared the following safety tips for drivers:

  • If you see a deer, slow down and watch out for other deer that may follow.
  • While slowing down, honk your horn to scare the animal.
  • Brake firmly and do not swerve.

In the event of a collision, AAA says:

  • If possible, immediately move the vehicle to a safe location, out of the roadway. Your safety and the safety of your passengers is most important.
  • Once you are in a safe location and no longer driving, call the police.
  • Turn the vehicle’s hazard lights on.
  • Avoid making contact with the deer/animal. A frightened or wounded animal can hurt you or further injure itself.
  • Contact your insurance company as quickly as possible to report any damage to your vehicle.
  • Take photos of the damage if you can do so safely and without entering the roadway.

Mating season is typically from September to November.

Deer-related crashes should be reported to the NCDOT. To report an injured deer, call 800-662-7137.

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