Oh dear, it’s lovey-dovey time for deer

Neal Augenstein, wtop.com

FAIRFAX, Va. – Deer in the mood for love are greatly increasing the danger for drivers.

October and November are “rutting season.” That yearly mating period inevitably brings an increase in vehicle-deer encounters.

Hitting a deer can be dangerous, costly, and inconvenient.

Two years ago I struck and killed a deer on the way to work.

Fairfax County Police offer these tips to steer clear of deer:

  • Deer are especially active pre-dawn to mid-morning and dusk to early evening.
  • Deer travel in herds. If you see one deer, others are likely nearby.
  • Slow down. The slower you’re driving, the more time you have to avoid the deer if you see it.
  • Use high beams when there’s no oncoming traffic, to widen your area of visibility.
  • Notice Deer Crossing signs.
  • Watch for “eye shine” or light reflecting off a deer’s eyes. When you see it, slow down.
  • If a deer is “frozen in the headlights,” flash them, since steady lights can mesmerize deer.
  • Don’t swerve to avoid a deer, because it can cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
  • If a crash is going to happen, take your foot off the brake at the time of impact, to lower the chance of the deer crashing through your windshield.
  • Don’t rely on hood whistles, car horns, or other devices to scare deer. They don’t work.

Related Content:

Follow Neal and WTOP on Twitter.

(Copyright 2012 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)

Federal News Network Logo
Log in to your WTOP account for notifications and alerts customized for you.

Sign up