The fall season brings an increased risk of wildlife-related automobile crashes for motorists. Over 19,500 animal-related crashes have been reported in each of the last three years, 90% of those which involved deer. Since 2009, nearly 3,500 people have been injured with total costs approximating $139. 1 million in property damage.
The NCDOT offers some recommendations to avoid collisions with deer:
- Slow down in deer crossing areas and heavily wooded areas, especially during late afternoon and evening. This is when deer most often come out.
- At night especially, increase the distance between your vehicle and other cars. If a car ahead of you hits a deer, you may also become involved in the accident.
- Be cautious around bridges, overpasses, railroad tracks, streams and ditches. These are areas in which most car-deer crashes occur.
- When and if possible, drive with high beams on and watch for eyes reflecting in the headlights.
- Know that deer travel in groups, so if one deer has already passed, be aware that more could be coming.
- It is not recommended to swerve to avoid contact with deer. This could cause the vehicle to flip or veer into oncoming traffic and could confuse the deer as to which way to run.
- If you see a deer on or near the road, blast your horn, as the sound gives the deer and audible signal to avoid.