Caution urged as deer on move
GREENFIELD, N.Y. » Fastmoving deer can appear out of nowhere in the blink of an eye.
An estimated 65,000 deer-vehicle accidents occur statewide each year, most during the October to December breeding season when animals are less cautious, and cross roads and highways regardless of the consequences.
A motorist’s split-second reaction can make the difference between a costly auto repair and life-threatening injuries.
“The worst thing people can do is swerve,” said Walter Barss, Greenfield highway superintendent. “That’s when you hit trees and power poles. You’re better off taking your chances with a deer.”
Late one dark, windy night a deer ran into the side of his truck on Locust Grove Road a couple of years ago.
“I never saw him till the last second,” Barss said.
He recalled a freak accident, about 10 years ago, which resulted in serious injuries. A deer struck by one vehicle went airborne and crashed through the windshield of a second, oncoming vehicle.
State police across New York are vulnerable to deervehicle accidents because of the sheer number of miles they drive, trooper Mark Cepiel said.
“We aren’t immune,” he said. “This time of year, almost every day within state police there’s a troop car animal strike. We’ve had our fair share around here, too. It’s a rural area. It’s not only deer. It might be a bear or coyote. One time I hit a large owl.”
State police recommend several tips for avoiding deer-vehicle accidents.