Deer and vehicle collisions peak this time of year
It was a dark November evening as Gary Meyers drove home from work. As he was about to turn into his neighborhood he heard a loud crash and his entire vehicle shook. Moments later Meyers realized a large deer had jumped off an embankment and landed on the roof of his car. Luckily Meyers suffered only minor bumps and bruises. But the doe was dead and his brand-new SUV was totaled.
According to State Farm, Pennsylvania has the third highest number of deer-related crashes in the country. Recent reports show that motorists in Pennsylvania have a 1-in-61 chance of becoming involved in a collision with a deer. These collisions most often occur during rutting, or mating, season.
“As the rut approaches, whitetails are ramping up their activity levels and expanding their home ranges,” said Game Commission Executive Director Steve Smith. “We would like to encourage all drivers to be extra mindful of intensified deer movement at this time of year.” According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) data, there were 5,849 deer-related crashes in the state in 2023. This resulted in 1,265 injuries and nine fatalities. These crashes continue to increase as both the deer population and number of vehicles on the road increase.
What’s a driver to do?
Deer whistles? Like most methods of reducing deer-vehicle crashes, they’ve been shown to be ineffective. Reflectors don’t work either. Road signage alerting drivers to deer crossing areas can be helpful, but only if heeded. “PennDOT urges motorists to stay alert when behind the wheel, especially when driving in areas that are known for deer sightings,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “Slow down and pay attention, carefully watching the road ahead of you for any deer activity. Buckle up! Wearing your seatbelt is your best defense in the event of a crash.”
Your best defense is an offense
Keep in mind, deer are herd animals. If you see one there’s a good chance there is another right behind it. Deer are most active at dusk and dawn, so be on the lookout. Make any younger drivers aware of the increase in deer movement and, as always, wear your seatbelt. If you hit a deer you are not required to report the accident. If a deer is hit by a vehicle, but not killed, maintain your distance. If the deer must be put down, contact the Game Commission for assistance, 1-833-PGC-WILD. To report a dead deer for removal from state roads call PennDOT at 1-800-FIX-ROAD.
Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Colonel Christopher Paris wants residents to know that PSP is here to help if you are involved in a crash involving a deer. “If you hit a deer and no one is hurt and your vehicle is drivable, you are not required by law to call the police,” Paris said. “However if there are injuries, if your vehicle needs to be towed, or if you’re unsure of what to do,
don’t hesitate to call 911 for assistance.”
Delco Alarm Systems a family owned company since 1972.