State Highway Administration Urging Drivers to Use Caution During Deer Mating Season

SHA Officials say, if you see a deer ahead, you should never veer off the roadway to avoid hitting it

FREDERICK, Md. (KR) The Maryland State Highway Administration is warning motorist about deer activity this season.

SHA Officials say, if you see a deer ahead, you should never veer off the roadway to avoid hitting it. Charlie Gischlar, with the State Highway Administration, says this time of the year is when we see a lot of accidents from deer darting into the road.

“This is part of the year where anybody knows it’s the rut or mating season, where the deer are very active. Particularly between their feeding times which is between sunset and sunrise,” said Gischlar.

He advises if a deer jumps out in front of you, never cut the steering wheel or slam on the breaks. He said it could be deadly to the driver or passengers.

“If you see a deer that you’re about to strike, what that can do is actually make you get into a situation where you could have a more serious crash where you could hit a fixed object and really hurt yourself in your vehicle,” said Gischlar.

He said deer travel in herds so if you see one deer, chances are good that there are more to follow.

 

BY: Katie Ryan