Watch Out For Those Deer!

Deer are more active in the autumn months, especially with the approach of their breeding season. Drivers are urged to stay alert. Fall is peak season for deer-related accidents, and Pennsylvania drivers face some of the highest collisions risk in the nation. Daylight saving time ends November 2nd meaning that drivers will spend more time on the road during dawn and dusk, the peak hours for deer activity. Pennsylvania is already one of the states with the highest rates of vehicle collisions involving deer or other large animals. A recent report found that Pennsylvanians have a 1-in6 4 chance of such accidents, the highest in the country. Drivers can lower their chances of an accident by staying vigilant in areas marked with deer crossing signs. Remember that deer often travel in groups. Even if one deer crosses safely, another may follow. Be especially attentive from sunset to midnight and during the hours shortly before and after sunrise. These are the highest risk times for vehicle/deer collisions. Drive with caution when moving through deer-crossing zones, in areas known to have a large deer population and in areas where roads divide agricultural fields from forestland. Deer seldom run alone. When you see one deer, others are very likely to be nearby. When driving at night, use high beam headlights when there is no oncoming traffic. The high beams will better illuminate the eyes of deer on or near the roadway. Give yourself more time to react by driving in the furthest lane from the shoulder, if possible.