Citizens are reminded to heighten their awareness of deer during the fall breeding season. Collisions between deer and automobiles result in a substantial cost, including damage to vehicles, the loss of a valuable wildlife resource and human injuries or fatalities. As our population continues to grow, this danger becomes greater.
Most of these accidents occur between dusk and dawn. Watch for deer where roads pass through wooded or rural areas. The most important thing drivers can do to reduce the chances of an accident with a deer is to drive the speed limit. At night, reduce speeds below the limit, especially in rain, snow or fog. Here are some other tips to keep in mind as a driver:
- Deer usually travel in groups and generally maintain a home range of about one (1) square mile. If you see a deer cross the road, slow down and use caution. Additional deer may be out of view and more are likely to follow.
- A deer standing calmly in a field may suddenly jump into the road. Anticipate the potential for this rapid change in posture.
- Elevate your deer awareness at locations with deer crossing signs. Deer crossing signs indicate areas where heavily used deer trails cross roadways. Slow down and watch for the eye-shine of deer near the roadway edges.
- Be especially aware during mornings and afternoons. Deer tend to be more active during the early morning hours and late afternoon hours year round. They are moving between evening feeding areas and daytime bedding sites.
- Slow down and avoid hitting deer, but do not swerve. This can cause you to lose control and strike another vehicle, or to leave the highway and strike a tree or other object. Injuries to drivers and passengers increase when the vehicle swerves.
More information is available by visiting the County Highways website at www.stmarysmd.com. Click on Public Works and Transportation under Citizen Services and then scroll to Highways to find a page for Deer Safety, or call the Department of Public Works and Transportation at 301-863-8400.
