(Undated)– Motorists need to be on the lookout for deer even more this time of year that others. That word from Tom Welch, a safety engineer with the Iowa Department of Transportation.
Welch says deer are on the move even more this time of year due to the harvest, rutting season, and hunting season.
As a result, Welch says the number of collisions involving vehicles and deer also increases.
When it comes to avoiding crashes with deer, Welch says motorists need to drive defensively and use extra caution when driving through areas where deer have been known to be present in the past.
If you encounter a deer on the roadway, Welch says you shouldn’t veer to try to avoid a collision. He says you’re much better off hitting the animal instead. By veering, Welch says it could result in a much more serious accident.
According to D.O.T statistics, an estimated 8,027 drivers reported collisions with deer in Iowa in 2007 causing 12 deaths and an estimated 468 motorist injuries.
As of August 31st, the D.O.T says three motorcyclists in Iowa have been killed this year in crashes involving deer.
