Deer and Vehicle Collision Season is Upon Us

It's the time of year I always dread. No, not when the temperatures drop. Deer rutting season. From now until January, male deer show off there sexual excitement and get a little crazy.

That means they get careless! For us, it means having to watch for them running into the road in front of our vehicles.

Two years ago, I clobbered one that crossed my path. Hey it started it! I won. It looked like ground venison after my car got through with it.  But damage was done to my car, Betsy, for sure.

According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), over one billion dollars in damage is done to vehicles in the U.S. during the rut. One billion dollars.

Not wanting to see you end up hitting a deer like me, here are some handy tips to reduce your odds.

1. Be extra alert during early morning hours and dusk. This prime activity time. Visibility is also reduced.

2. Do not use cell phones or be distracted by your radio, food, etc. in high deer activity areas. Being distracted makes it more likely that you will not see the deer in time to stop.

3. If you do come upon a deer, do not swerve to avoid it.  Hit it. You are more likely to be injured if your car leaves the roadway or crosses lanes.

4. Do not speed. The faster your speed the more likely the more severe the damage will be to you and your vehicle.

The Southern Tier is in the medium/medium high risk area (according to State Farm Insurance), so drive safely and keep those eyes peeled.