Be on the alert for deer wandering across roads

Deer mating season is underway and it’s a time for drivers to be extra careful, especially in mountain areas. Here are some comments from past Roadshow columns.

QComing down Skyline Boulevard toward Highway 92, I suddenly found three deer slowly crossing the road. Scared the you-knowwhat out of me. I hit the brakes gently, but the deer didn’t budge for a few anxious moments until dashing into the trees. Should I have hit the horn? — Debbie Burnett

AOfficials say a tap or two on the horn can get deer off the road, while others say a loud blast of the horn may send them scattering in different directions and pose safety risks.

Be extra aware when driving at dawn, dusk or the first few hours after nightfall, especially between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., when deer are most active.

Heed deer crossing signs. Slow down when traveling through wooded areas or fields. Keep your eyes moving. Glance frequently to both sides of the road.

When you see a deer, watch for more. Deer usually move in groups.

If a collision is imminent, brake firmly and attempt to stop. Do not swerve. It could cause you to lose control of your vehicle or place you in the path of an oncoming vehicle.

QHas anyone hit a deer since they installed a deer whistle? I live in deer country and have seen the whistle at work. Prior to installing one, I exploded a buck on Interstate 280 to the tune of $9,000 in damage to my vehicle and DOA for the deer. A $5 deer whistle is cheap insurance for both of us. — Jack Moore

AMaybe not …

QWhen I switched from driving a patrol car to riding a motorcycle on Highway 17, I was concerned about deer, considering how many I dragged out of the roadway in my career. So I installed deer whistles on my CHP motorcycle. I rode out confident I would send the deer running for the hills whenever I passed by.

Much to my surprise, the deer didn’t even raise their collective heads while grazing along the side of the road. I would speed up, slow down, rev my engine, honk my horn, blow my siren. Nothing. From my experience, deer whistles are a waste of money. — Dave-the-CHP-Man

AAccording to a Washington State University analysis, deer whistles don’t work. The report found that more accidents were reported after whistles were installed on cars than before for the same period of time and stretches of highway.

The author’s conclusion: “Until there is some solid evidence, other than personal testimonials, that deer whistles are effective, keep your money in your pocket.”