Drivers in the Pittsburgh area are likely aware of the risk deer pose to vehicles on the road. Another reminder made the news this past week when a passenger in a vehicle that collided with a deer died. The crash occurred in Butler County around the time it got dark.

There were three people in the second car the deer hit close to Duffy Road. Besides the woman who died, a woman in the back seat was also hurt. The man driving was uninjured in the incident.

Police indicate that before the deer hit the car it first hit a different car. Interestingly, the occupants of the first vehicle were not at all injured in the collision with the deer.

While deer are ever present in many communities throughout the state, this time of year they seem to be everywhere. We can look to science for the reason for this. Between the months of October and December is breeding season for the animals and their hormones begin to surge. The rutting causes erratic behavior illustrated by them doing things such as darting into the road. They become particularly active when it is dark out.

As this sad story illustrates the large animals do real damage and cause serious injuries to be suffered. Accordingly all drivers need to be aware of the potential presence of the animals and do what they can to try to avoid a collision. Experts caution however, should a deer suddenly appear in one's path it is usually best to not swerve to try to avoid it. Doing that often only makes the situation worse.

Source: WTAE, "Deer hit by car crashes through another car's windshield, killing woman," Nov. 12, 2012