Drivers in both Virginias urged to slow down for deer
Oct. 19—PRINCETON — Fall is the season for cooling temperatures and colorful landscapes, but it's also the time of year when deer searching for mates and foraging for food cross roadways and step into oncoming traffic.
West Virginia often ranks as the most likely place in the country for deer collisions, and this year was no different, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). During the period from 2013 to 2021, West Virginia was on top of the list. In November during that period, West Virginia saw about 44 claims for animal strikes per 1,000 insured vehicles. In August during that same period, the Mountain State had about 14 clams per 1,000 insured vehicles.
According to a survey by State Farm Insurance, Virginia was ranked as having a 1 in 78 chance of filing a claim due to hitting a deer. In West Virginia during that same period, the chance was 1 in 38, the highest ranking in the country.
When mating season approaches, bucks "with love on their minds" are chasing does, so deer are more likely to run into traffic, according to Chief Deputy A.P. Christian with the Mercer County Sheriff's Department. Deputies usually handle more calls involving deer collisions when October arrives.
"Between the beginning of October running towards December, they're always on the uptick," Christian said.
Christian advised drivers to travel a little more slowly and to be more alert, but it's hard to avoid hitting a deer since they can come out of nowhere.
Municipalities in both states have their share of deer collisions, too.
"We do," said Lieutenant-Detective K.L. Adams with the Bluefield Police Department. "We do on a regular basis. We had one hit last night on John Nash (Boulevard) at the on-ramp onto (Route) 460. It's a constant thing. A lot of collisions happen around the middle part of town."
Large numbers of deer-related accidents occur on Cherry Street around the Princeton hospital campus, and along nearby Stadium Drive. Collisions with deer also happen on Bluefield Avenue, Princeton Avenue and Grassy Branch Road, Adams said. The Bluefield area has a large deer population and they usually roam more from October to December while they're trying to find new food sources.
Foraging for food and mating season are two of the main reasons why motorists are more likely to literally run into deer when fall arrives. Another factor is the fact that more motorists drive in the dark as the days get shorter, making it harder to spot deer that have wander along or into roadways, according to VDNR officials.
The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) recommended the following tips to avoid hitting a deer:
—Slow down and be attentive, particularly at night (from dusk to dawn).
—After spotting one deer, slow down and watch out for others. Deer frequently travel in small herds.
—Deer habitually travel and cross roads in the same areas. Use caution after seeing deer crossing signs installed in these areas by the Virginia Department of Transportation and the West Virginia Division of Transportation.
—Apply brakes, even stop if necessary, to avoid hitting a deer, but do not swerve out of the lane to miss a deer. A collision with another vehicle, tree or other object is likely to be more serious than hitting a deer.
—Always wear a seat bel.! Even if a collision is unavoidable, drivers and passengers are more likely to avoid injury or death if when they are wearing a seat belt.
—Motorists that hit or kill a deer or bear while driving should immediately report the accident to a local law enforcement officer in the county or city where the accident occurred.
—Motorists that kill a deer or bear while driving may keep it for your own use if they report the accident to a local law enforcement officer where the accident occurred and the officer (or Conservation Police Officer) views the animal and issues a possession certificate.
— Contact Greg Jordan at gjordan@bdtonline.com
Contact Greg Jordan at gjordan@bdtonline.com
