Avoiding Deer Car Collisions as Deer activity is increasing in Northern Virginia

In Northern Virginia deer are getting very active in the 4th quarter of the year, and they will be more active over the next few months. It is not uncommon to see deer lying on the sides of many roads in the area. To avoid hitting a deer here are some valuable tips to drivers from The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. 1. When driving, particularly at dusk and dawn, slow down and be attentive. If you see one deer, likely there will be others. If one deer crosses the road as you approach, others may follow. 2. Deer habitually travel the same areas; therefore deer crossing signs have been installed by the Virginia Department of Transportation. Use caution when you see these signs. 3. Drivers should apply brakes, even stop if necessary, to avoid hitting a deer, but should never swerve out of the lane to miss a deer. A collision with another vehicle, tree or other object is likely to be more serious than hitting a deer. 4. Rely on your caution and your own senses, not deer whistles you can buy for your car. These devices have not been shown to be effective. 5. Any person who is involved in a collision with a deer or bear while driving a motor vehicle, thereby killing the animal, should immediately report the accident to the Conservation Police Officer or other law enforcement officer in the county or city where the accident occurred. 6. Drivers who collide with a deer or bear, thereby killing the animal, may keep it for their own use provided that they report the accident to a law enforcement officer where the accident occurred and the officer views the animal and gives the person a possession certificate.