State agencies remind drivers to be careful during deer mating season

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — With the arrival of autumn, the Virginia Department of Transportation and Department of Wildlife Resources are reminding drivers to be aware of deer during their mating season.

According to the departments, deer are especially active in fall, particularly from mid-October through November, which is during their mating season.

During fall when other fall foods, like foliage, are more limited, the departments said deer often forage along the edge of road sides, so drivers should be careful and expect to see more deer on roads.

Deer often cross roads and highways throughout Virginia at all times of the day, but particularly at dawn and dusk, the departments said.

With these things in mind, the agencies urge drivers to take the following steps:

• While the urge to swerve is instinctual, do not veer for deer. If a deer or other animal jumps in front of you as you’re driving, don’t swerve aggressively or overcompensate. You might lose control of your vehicle. Gradually brake to avoid hitting the animal.
• Prepare for the unexpected. Deer may stop in the middle of the road or double back.
• If you see one deer, slow down, because they usually travel in groups so there’s likely to be others nearby.
• Check the shoulders of a road or highway and use your high beam headlights when able. Deer tend to stand on the sides of the road and then suddenly move into the road. Slow down and hit your horn to scare the deer, as they dart and run in either direction.
• Be extra alert when driving near areas wildlife frequent, such as streams and rivers, and reduce your speed so you can react safely.
• If you hit a deer, pull off to the shoulder and turn on your hazard lights. Do not exit your vehicle and search for the deer, because it could hurt you.
• Don’t litter. Trash odors can attract animals to roadways.

Last year, 42% of crashes involving deer in the Commonwealth happened in October and November, according to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. Of the 7,335 total crashes involving deer reported to law enforcement, there were 690 reported injuries.

Virginia has reportedly seen an increase in crashes involving deer in recent years, with a 20% increase between 2022 and 2023.

If you hit and kill a deer that needs to be picked up or find a dead deer creating a hazard on a state-maintained road, you can report it by calling 800-367-7623.

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