Deer Collisions

It seems that the first two weeks in November tend to have the greatest number of vehicle-deer collisions. Obviously, this can be deadly for both people and deer. With the frequency of deer sightings in Northern Virginia, we need to be on the alert when driving even in urban areas.

The Insurance Information Institute gives defensive driving tips for avoiding deer including being particularly cautious from sundown to midnight and at dawn and never swerving out of your lane to avoid a deer.

According to the Humane Society of the United States

"The breeding season for deer occurs between October and January. This period—termed the "rut"—involves dramatic physiological and behavioral changes in male deer. ... Nervous and almost constantly active during the rut, males wander into residential areas and places where they would otherwise never be seen."

For our own well being as well as for wildlife, let's be alert and careful while driving.