Community Corner

How to Avoid Deer While Driving in Jefferson

Ways to keep from damaging your car or worse.

It's the fall. And aside from the start of school and football, that means more deer are out on the roads in Jefferson.

It also means the deer are harder to spot. As the leaves turn brown and trees begin to bare, the coats of many deer will get darker, helping them blend into their surroundings.

That's bad news for drivers in Jefferson. With that in mind, the state Department of Environmental Protection released the following eight tips aimed at helping motorists avoid deer. (Yeah, we usually go with five things, but sometimes more is more.)

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  1. If you spot a deer, slow down and pay attention to possible sudden movement. If the deer doesn't move, don't go around it. Wait for the deer to pass and the road is clear.
  2. Pay attention to "Deer Crossing" signs. They are there for a reason. Slow down when traveling through areas known to have a high concentration of deer so you will have ample time to stop if necessary.
  3. If you are traveling after dark, use high beams when there is no oncoming traffic. High beams will be reflected by the eyes of deer on or near roads.
  4. If you see one deer, be on guard: others may be in the area. Deer typically move in family groups at this time of year and cross roads single-file.
  5. Don't tailgate. Remember: the driver in front of you might have to stop suddenly to avoid hitting a deer.
  6. Always wear a seatbelt, as required by law. Drive at a safe and sensible speed, taking into account weather, available lighting, traffic, curves and other road conditions.
  7. If a collision appears inevitable, do not swerve to avoid impact. The deer may counter-maneuver suddenly. Brake firmly, but stay in your lane. Collisions are more likely to become fatal when a driver swerves to avoid a deer and instead collides with oncoming traffic or a fixed structure along the road.
  8. Report any deer-vehicle collision to a local law enforcement agency immediately.


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