PROPERTY OWNERS' ASSOCIATION

Driving in "Deer Country"
by Police Chief Bill Lane

I would recommend the following when driving in "deer country," especially during the hours of darkness:

Don't always assume that the speed limit is the "safe speed" when traveling along roadways known for deer crossings. Consider reducing your speed to allow you enough time to stop if a deer emerges onto the roadway.

Try to drive with your headlights on high at all times, unless meeting oncoming traffic. Consider using fog lamps (if equipped) as they will help illuminate the roadway shoulders when your headlights are on dim.

If a deer comes onto the roadway, brake immediately, but steer straight ahead, regardless of the position of the deer. Never attempt to drive around a deer into the path of oncoming traffic or onto the shoulder of the roadway. Very few motorists have been injured by actually striking a deer, yet many motorists have been killed in the accident caused by trying to avoid hitting the deer.

If you strike a deer and the animal is still in the roadway, either try to remove the deer (if deceased) or call law enforcement to remove it from the roadway to avoid another collision. Do not attempt to drive away if your vehicle is damaged to the point that it is unsafe to drive.

If you decide to leave the scene of the deer strike without notifying law enforcement, you need to contact a local or county law enforcement agency within 10 days of the incident and request a "blue form" if your damage exceeds $1,000.  Fill out the form, and submit it to the address given. The data on the form will ultimately be reported to your insurance company as an accident. The vast majority of deer-involved accidents are never turned into law enforcement, and if there is no other property involved and no injuries incurred, that is a generally accepted practice.

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