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.
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