Nov 27, 2006 5:15 pm US/Eastern
Drivers Urged To Use Caution During Deer Season
by Jim Lokay
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) ―
As thousands of local hunters head into the woods for the start of deer season, area drivers are urged to use some extra caution on the roadways.
With the arrival of hunting season, deer are moving out of their habitats – which can cause some problems on the roads.
In fact, Pennsylvania tops the list as the state with the most auto accidents involving deer with nearly 40,000 such crashed each year.
Last year alone, State Farm Insurance estimates that about 192,000 of its customers were involved in deer-related accidents – which cost, on average, about $2800.
With this in mind, experts are warning drivers to stay alert behind the wheel – especially at nighttime.
As for those plastic "deer whistle" gadgets that you can put on your car, State Farm says they don't work.
Also, if you can't avoid hitting a deer, experts say you should not swerve because doing so can lead to losing control of your vehicle or hitting other cars.
"You shouldn't lose control of your vehicle trying to avoid the deer," explains driving instructor Martha Heselbarth. "Your best chance is to encourage deer to get out of your way."
Other suggestions to steer clear of deer include:
Use extra caution at night, particularly between the hours of 6-9pm
Heed deer crossing signs
Use your high-beams when possible to keep an eye on the sides of the roadways
Remember that deer travel in packs; if you see one, others are likely nearby
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