Be on the lookout for deer when you're driving to and from work.
State police are warning drivers of an increased presence of deer on the Thruway, especially this time of year.
"Drivers are encouraged to be alert along the highway, because the safety of drivers is the Thruway Authority's top priority," said Thruway Authority Acting Executive Director Thomas J. Madison. "Vehicle-deer accidents can cause serious injury, and it is vital that drivers remain aware of their surroundings and be on the look-out for deer along the highways."
Make sure to pay close attention when you see deer crossing signs posted. That indicates that, in the past, there have been frequent deer crossings in the area.
Here are some other tips to keep in mind:
- Deer are most active at dawn and dusk.
- Be more aware of deer during May/June and October/November.
-Scan shoulders of the roadside for deer eyes reflecting light.
- Do not rely on high beams or honking your horn to warn deer.
- Slow down when approaching deer standing at the roadside; they may run into oncoming traffic.
- Deer often travel in groups. Where there's one, there may be more.
- Always buckle your seat belt. Ejection from a vehicle is the main reason that fatalities occur in a collision.
- If a collision is unavoidable, hold onto the steering wheel; do not swerve to avoid hitting the deer. Bring vehicle to a complete stop. The most serious vehicle-deer accidents occur when drivers swerve at high speeds to elude a deer, and then strike another vehicle, a tree or roll over.
- If you are involved in a car-deer collision, do not attempt to approach or touch the deer.
If you do get into an accident with a deer, try to pull your car as far off the highway as possible, park on the right shoulder, activate your hazard flashers and stay in your car until help arrives.
Have you spotted more deer lately? Where? Leave your thoughts below.
