OLYMPIA, Wash.-The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is reminding drivers across the state of the prevalence of deer near roads this time of the year.
It is deer rut, or mating season, which means deer are more active. According to the WDFW, deer are also migrating out of the mountains to winter ranges right now.
Daylight saving time also makes November a prime month for deer versus car crashes across the state.
Car-wildlife collisions are tracked through the Washington State Department of Transportation, with over 1,500 crashes reported yearly on average.
According to the WSDOT, local law enforcement and WSP Troopers report collisions that result in injury, death or damage over $1,000.
WSDOT maintenance crews also track wildlife carcass removal across Washington and report an average of 5,000 collisions with deer and nearly 300 collisions with elk occur each year.
WSDOT tips to prevent deer-car collisions:
Slow down and be alert throughout the fall months, especially in November.If you see one deer, there are likely more nearby.Headlights confuse deer. If you see a deer on the side of the road it may approach your car.If a crash seems likely take your foot off the gas and brake lightly. Hold the steering wheel firmly and don’t swerve.If you hit a deer move the body off the road if possible, then call authorities from a safe spot.
