The truck driver said the deer ran out in front of him as he drove along the eastbound lanes of I-540 between Highway 70 and Leesville Road. The driver claims he swerved to avoid the deer and slid onto the shoulder. Authorities said the truck overturned as he came back on the road, blocking all four lanes.
Officials said the I-540 area is a new hot spot for deer.
During the weekend of Nov. 2 and Nov. 3, crews with the state Department of Transportation said they cleaned up after 17 deer-related auto accidents in the I-540 corridor of Wake County.
From Nov. 8 until Tuesday, crews worked 23 deer-related wrecks in the same zone.
"It seems to be we've had numerous calls out there and typically, this time of year, the deer move around a lot, so we have an increased number of deer wrecks everywhere," said 1st Sgt. James Williams, of the North Carolina Highway Patrol.
Officials said many of the deer-wrecked cars had deer whistles on them, but some scientists claim they do not work. Wildlife experts claim honking the horn and flashing lights will not help either.
They said the best thing for drivers to do is slow down and take it easy, especially where deer warning signs are posted.
The truck was loaded with clothes and curtains. The truck driver was not hurt, but the Highway Patrol charged him with reckless driving.
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