Deer Cause Concern for Drivers

Two weeks ago an area man lost his life in an automobile accident caused by a deer.

Deer are on the move now and that will only increase as hunting season for deer opens in the near future. In Clay County Sheriff Jeff Franklin says hardly an evening goes by without a vehicle - deer accident in his county. Franklin believes that this area of the state is over populated with deer at this time.

State Farm insurance provider has estimated that deer-vehicle accidents are up by 21 percent in the last five years. Nebraska has the 12th highest rate of deer accidents in the United States. As a driver your chance of coliding with a deer in the next 12 months are 1 in 111, according to State Farm.

In Adams County eight deer-vehicle accidents occurred between Sept 8 and Oct 16th. All of those in occurred during the dark hours. Adams County Sheriff Greg McGee said drivers should consider installing deer whistles on their vehicles. This small device produces a sound that alerts deer and similar animals to the approaching vehicle, keeping them from the area. The devices are inexpensive, costing under six dollars at Wal-Mart. Adams County Sheriff says that in the last 20 years since installing deer whistles county officers have had only three deer related accidents that caused substantial damages whereas before installing the devices they would average that many each year. Bugs, dirt and debris can affect the operation of the deer whistles so they should be replaced periodically.

When approaching a deer on the road experts say it is best not to swerve. Dont take the ditch, don't go into the other lane. Those options could cause more damage than just striking the animal. Just be aware, don't speed, and drive with care, especially in the early morning or evening hours.