Fairfax County officials issued a report this week to alert citizens to “that time of year again: rutting season.” Deer are especially active during the months of October and November so residents can expect to have increased encounters with local deer.
As of July 2012, there have been 59 non-reportable deer-related vehicle crashes in Fairfax County. There have also been 31 reportable (damage over $1,500. dollars) collisions involving animals, predominately deer, as of mid-September 2012. Police caution motorists to stay alert for deer in the roadways and learn more about deer to decrease their chances of a deer/vehicle crash.
Among the tips provided are these:
• Deer are especially active during pre-dawn, mid-morning and early dusk periods;
• deer breeding season runs from October through December;
• deer typically travel in herds and can found throughout the region.
• If a deer is frozen in the road, reduce speed and flash headlights. Deer can be mesmerized or blinded by bright steady lights.
• Hood whistles, car horns or other noise devises to not scare deer.
• Don’t swerve to avoid deer as it can cause loss of control of the vehicle.
• If there is an impact with a deer, take your foot off the brake at the point of impact reducing the likelihood of deer crashing thorugh the windshield.
If the animal is injured or killed, the collision should be reported to the Fairfax Police non-emergency line at 703-691-2131.
