Safe Driving Tips for Maryland Motorists during Deer Mating Season

In states with large deer populations, November is a dangerous month for motorists, especially on rural roads. It is the beginning of rutting, or mating, season when deer actively travel in search of mates and they are not opposed to crossing roads to find them.

According to a Cecil Whig article, Maryland has a deer population of approximately 234,000 and ranked 13th for deer-vehicle collisions in the nation in 2010. This is a small increase from the previous year, despite the general nationwide decline. Approximately 30,000 motorists hit deer annually in Maryland, resulting in an average cost of $3,000 per accident.

As the month of November begins, motorists need to be especially careful on Maryland roads. According to Maryland State Police (MDSP) Corporal E. P. Masaracchia, there has been an increase in calls concerning morning deer-vehicle collisions, and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Wildlife and Heritage Service confirmed that deer activity is increasing, especially at dawn and dusk. In order to help motorists stay safe in the next several weeks, DNR offers the following safety tips:

• Slow down, do not swerve to avoid hitting a deer;
• Deer standing on the side of the road can unexpectedly step in front of a vehicle. Slow down and use the horn to scare it away;
• If one deer crosses the road, there may be more. Deer usually travel in groups, so slow down and proceed cautiously;
• Be especially aware of deer-crossings in the early morning and late afternoon, as deer generally move from daytime resting spots to evening feeding areas; and
• Slow down and stay alert in areas with deer-crossing signs.

Following these guidelines will help you prevent a deer-vehicle accident, as well as prevent accidents with other vehicles. Knowing what to do when a deer crosses the road is important in keeping vehicle occupants safe, especially in multiple lanes of traffic. Swerving to avoid a deer may put you in the path of another vehicle. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Maryland car crash as the result of another motorist’s negligent or reckless driving, contact the experienced Baltimore traffic collision attorney Steven H. Heisler, “The Injury Lawyer,” for a consultation at (877) 228-4878. Mr. Heisler can help you get the compensation you deserve.