Beware: It’s almost deer season

IVY JACOBS PHOTO.

More than 14,000 deer-vehicle accidents are reported in Indiana annually.

Did you know that deer movements are not random, and the likelihood of seeing deer near roads varies by time of day and month?

According to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, deer are more likely to be on the move during the fall and winter months. 

As bucks pursue does, especially during mating season in October and November, they cross roads more frequently and are less cautious.

Each year in Indiana, damage occurs from vehicle-deer crashes. 

In many cases, as deer migrate from fields and woods across Indiana roadways, motorists panic, swerve to miss a deer, lose control of their vehicles, and hit fixed objects.

The Indiana State Police reminds motorists to remember the following driving techniques:

* When possible, use high-beam headlights at night and be aware that deer could be standing on or near the side of the roadway.

* Drivers should never panic. Sometimes, it is better to hit the deer than swerve and crash into another vehicle or a fixed object such as a utility pole or tree.

* Where there is one deer, there are often several.

• BE ALERT!

* If your vehicle strikes a deer, do not touch it. A frightened or wounded deer can cause you serious bodily injury. Remain in your car, ensure you and your passengers are safe, and call the police to obtain a crash report.

REMEMBER: motorists must report any crash with at least $1,000 in property damage or if someone is injured. 

Driving defensively, wearing a seat belt, and obeying all speed laws will help motorists avoid crashes and prevent injuries.