Motorists, Watch Out for Deer
St. Mary’s County motorists are reminded to be alert for deer during the fall breeding season.
Many wildlife-related accidents occur between dusk and dawn. Watch for deer where roads pass through wooded or rural areas. Driving the speed limit reduces the chances of an accident with a deer; and, at night, reduce speeds below the limit, especially in rain, snow or fog.
Here are some other tips to keep in mind as a driver.
Never “VEER” for DEER. Slow down and avoid hitting deer, but do not swerve. This can cause you to lose control and strike another vehicle, or to leave the highway and strike a tree or other object. Injuries to drivers and passengers increase when the vehicle swerves.
Deer usually travel in groups and generally maintain a home range of about one square mile. If you see a deer cross the road, slow down and use caution. Additional deer might be out of view and more are likely to follow.
A deer standing calmly in a field may suddenly jump into the road. Anticipate the potential for this rapid change in posture.
Elevate your deer awareness at locations with deer crossing signs. Deer crossing signs indicate areas where heavily used deer trails cross roadways. Slow down and watch for the eye-shine of deer near the roadway edges.
Be especially aware during the morning and afternoon. Deer tend to be more active during the early morning hours and late afternoon hours year-round. They are moving between evening feeding areas and daytime bedding sites.
In the unfortunate event of striking a deer, never approach an injured animal. Pull to a safe location with hazard lights on and call the police. Make it a safe season for you and the deer.
If you notice an animal carcass lying along or in the roadside, report it by using the St. Mary’s County online maintenance request form at http://www.stmarysmd.com/dpw/. The icon is on the upper right corner of the website and can be identified as an oval symbol with “311” in the center. You may also contact the county’s Department of Public Works & Transportation at 301-475-4200, ext. 3517.
