Friday, April 19, 2024 | St. Lawrence County, NY
With hunting season upon us, St. Lawrence County Traffic Safety is reminding everyone to be on the lookout for deer while driving this fall. Without warning, deer can appear in front of your car on …
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With hunting season upon us, St. Lawrence County Traffic Safety is reminding everyone to be on the lookout for deer while driving this fall. Without warning, deer can appear in front of your car on the roadway. It’s important to pay close attention to what’s around you.
It’s best to know what to do when you encounter a large animal on or near the roadway. Keeping calm and driving smart can improve your chances of avoiding a collision and staying safe.
Here are some tips to help keep you safe this fall season.
Pay attention to deer crossing signs, as they can help you identify areas known to have a high deer population. It is recommended increasing distance between your vehicle and other cars when you see deer crossing signs. The extra room may give you more time to react if a deer crosses the road in front of you.
Remember deer typically travel in groups, so if you cross paths with one, you should keep an eye out for others. It is wise to always be on the lookout for them, especially as deer tend to venture out to the side of the roads to find food.
Know the time, deer typically are out dusk to dawn at a time when are eyes are most vulnerable to the changing light. It is important to slow down, especially at night and stay alert. Turing your headlights on as dusk begins will not only allow you to see the deer from a distance, it will also help your eyes adjust as the sun is setting.
If a deer does go out in front of you, don’t swerve to miss it, brake, stay calm and slow down. Swerving to miss a deer could result in loss of control to your vehicle putting you at a higher risk of a crash.
If you do end up in a collision, calmly pull off to the side of the road when it safe to do so. Turn on your hazard lights to warn other motorist you are on the side of the road. Call emergency personal and report the collision, as they will come and assist you. Remember to stay away from the deer as it could still be alive/confused and possibly dangerous. It is also important to let emergency personal know where the animal is located for the safety of other motorist on the road.
As always, wear your seat belt front and back seats to ensure your safety on the road.
http://www.ghsa.org/state-lawsFor more information about deer or animal safety, please contact Carrie Conger at cconger@stlawco.org, or by phone at 315-386-2207.
