More Than 1 in 100 Virginians Will Hit a Deer This Year
As the Deer Carcasses Pile Up - What Should You Do If You Hit One?
Deer collisions are a sad fact of life for Virginians. Most of us see the results of the tragic accidents through our car windows, but occasionally we happen to witness an accident or worse, hit the deer ourselves. In fact, according to State Farm Insurance, one in one-hundred and twenty-three Virginia drivers are likely to hit a deer in 2008 (The Winchester Star). Those numbers approximate last year's carnage, when an estimated 54,135 drivers accidentally collided with the animals (PilotOnline.com).
However, that number is likely to be far higher, as last year VDOT removed nearly 10,000 deceased deer from roadways statewide (The Winchester Star).
Tips for Avoiding Deer on the Roadways
Drivers should do everything they can to avoid mixing with deer or any wild animals on our roads and highways. The best thing drivers can do is to mind both deer crossing and speed limit signs. Avoid driving when animals are most mobile, generally between 6 and 9 PM. Use high beam lights when appropriate, and be certain you can see a ways up the road before you get there. If you spot a deer in or approaching the roadway, slow down, but do not swerve to avoid it (PilotOnline.com, Buzzle.com). It is far safer to hit a deer than to hit another car or run off the road while trying to avoid one.
What To Do If You Hit A Deer
If you are unfortunate enough to hit a deer, remain where you are and call 911. Wait for help to arrive. The short time you spend waiting will help you to calm your nerves and gain composure. Emergency personnel will arrive to help you. In a bad wreck, deer can total a car, so be certain your car is safe to drive before leaving the scene.
By waiting, you also help the deer. If it can be saved, police may contact wildlife control. If it is still alive but badly injured, police or wildlife experts may put the creature out of its misery. And by reporting the accident, you have assured that the carcass will be removed from the roadway, and not left for the next driver who must swerve to avoid it. Road crews can only remove carcasses they are aware of, so please be sure to call them in.
Sources:
Ellen Bell, "Car-Deer Collisions in the United States." Buzzle.com.
Jason Kane, "A deer in headlights?" The Winchester Star.
Patrick Wilson, "Virginia auto group warns of potential for deer crashes." PilotOnline.com.
Published by CC Allison
CC is a petsitter and freelancer working out of her home in Loudoun County, Va. She's got a new baby girl at home. CC holds an MA in Communication, Culture, & Technology and has worked for several corporate... View profile
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17 Comments
Post a CommentWe have tons of deer here in Ohio, too.
This is a problem where I live, too. Great article!
I'm always very cautious and am on the lookout for deer when I'm driving- great advice!
Intersting article!
I've seen them in Indiana as well. I was driving at night, and suddenly saw their shiny eyes. I like deer and would hate to kill one of them. Thanks for this interesting article.
We had a lot of deer back in Maine. Poor things get so scared they can't run. :(
We have a lot of deer here in OH, too. In fact, the first really icy night here, hubby almost hit run not a half mile from our home.
The driver's guide in GA actually tells you that deer run INTO your headlights, not away from them, and believe me, deer is a big issue where I live. And, yeah, many a deer are taken home for processing!
Well-written :)
I grew up in Montgomery County and remember how much of an issue this was back then. I can only imagine how the deer have proliferated along with the exponential growth of Loudon County. The VA 7 Leesburg Pike corridor is probably a heavy deer-motorist collision flash point late at night.