As the leaves change with the season another annual event is ushered in- car accidents due to collisions with deer. In an effort to keep car collisions with deer to a minimum, the Pennsylvania Game Commission is recommending drivers reduce their speeds when it is dark. Generally drivers need to be especially concerned with this from now until mid-December. This is common this time of year as it is currently deer breeding season. During this period deer are often distracted and do not notice cars.

While the hours from dusk to dawn are traditionally the hours when one needs to be most cognizant of deer crossing roadways, daylight hours are also a concern due to human intervention. In addition to hunters and farmers flushing the deer out into the open, certain forms of recreation are contributing to the movement of the dear during the day. The Game Commission is reminding motorists that deer often travel in groups. Because they tend to move in a straight line, if one deer crosses your path you should be prepared for more to follow.

If a motorist does hit a deer, it is only necessary to contact the game commission if the deer dies and the driver wants to take the carcass. In those cases the motorist has one day to contact the commission. It is also possible for someone else to claim the carcass if the motorist involved in the collision does not want it. Regardless of who claims the carcass, all antlers must be given to the Game Commission.

While this time of year is particularly dangerous for drivers running into deer, regardless of the season, defensive driving is always a good idea.

Source: Cumberland Times-News, "Drivers beware: Deer on move this time of year," Sept. 21, 2011