Oh, deer!
McKean County leads the four-county region in the number of deer versus vehicle crashes over a five-year period.
The Center for Rural Pennsylvania recently released to The Era monthly deer vs. vehicle crash data from 2012 to 2016 for McKean, Cameron, Elk and Potter counties, as well as posted November 2016 statewide statistics on its website.
For 2016, the agency reported that McKean County experienced 26 deer-related accidents; Elk County, 14; Potter County, 13; and Cameron County, five. In 2012, McKean County saw 17 deer-related accidents; Elk County, 15; Cameron County, seven; and Potter County, six, according to the agency.
“Autumn brings an increase in deer activity, and drivers are reminded to watch carefully for deer darting across and along roadways,” said officials from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. “Fall marks the deer’s breeding season, and deer pay less attention and become bolder as they move around more and travel greater distances seeking mates. Primarily nocturnal feeders, deer are most active between sunset and sunrise.”
Other circumstances that impact deer travel patterns in the fall are farmers actively harvesting the remaining crops and getting ready for spring planting; hunters scouring the woods looking for game; and outdoor enthusiasts enjoying nice weather, state officials said.
The highest number of deer vs. crash crashes occurred in November 2016, totaling 1,125, The Center for Rural Pennsylvania reported. Forty-two percent of deer vs. vehicle crashes in November 2016 happened between 6 p.m. and midnight and two percent occurred between 2 and 3 p.m.
The Harrisburg-based organization also reported that 13 percent of November 2016 crashes involved out-of-state licensed drivers, while 87 percent involved Pennsylvania-licensed drivers. The highest percentage of crashes for the month of November 2016 happened on Tuesdays, followed by Mondays.
The Center for Rural Pennsylvania reports that deer hit crash data are acquired information from a reportable crash.
“An incident is reportable if it involves: Injury to or death of any person, or damage to any vehicle to the extent that it cannot be driven under its own power in its customary manner without further damage or hazard to the vehicle, other traffic elements, or the roadway, and therefore requires towing. Crash data do not include non-reportable crashes or near misses,” the agency stated.
PennDOT officials say that drivers should slow down and use caution, especially where deer crossing signs are placed and increase following distance between vehicles; and be especially watchful during morning and evening hours when wildlife is most active.
“Since deer often travel in small herds, one deer will usually be followed by others,” PennDOT officials said.
Deer aren’t the only potential hazards on the road. PennDOT reminds drivers that wet leaves, fog, sun glare and frost are other dangers to watch out for.
PennDOT also offered some fall driving tips, including increasing following distance in severe weather and at dusk and dawn.
“If you are being tailgated, let the other driver pass,” PennDOT officials said. “Check your vehicle’s headlights, taillights and turn signals to ensure they are working properly since darkness will be a part of many driver’s morning and/or evening commutes. Make sure you turn on your headlights as the sunlight fades. Have your vehicle’s heating and wiper systems checked to ensure they are working properly. Be sure you have tires with sufficient tread depth in case of an early season snow.”
If a dead deer presents a hazard on state roads, drivers can call 1-800-FIX-ROAD to have the deer removed.
