Oh, Deer! Motorist Ends Up in Pond

New York State Police caution motorists to watch out for deer and know what to do to avoid serious injury if there is an encounter on the roadway.

Troopers say if a deer leaps in front of your vehicle, you should brake firmly and calmly and avoid jerking the steering wheel and careening off the road.

Cortland County Sheriff's Office photo (file)

The warning comes as Troopers responded to a crash on November 18 in Otsego County.

State Police say a 56-year-old man from Hopewell Junction New York swerved to miss a deer shortly before 3:30 p.m. and crashed into a pond in the Town of Laurens.

The motorist was not hurt.

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The New York State Police Underwater Recovery Team was called in to assist removing the Dodge Challenger from the pond.

Authorities say if you do hit a deer, pull off to the side of the road as soon as it is safe to do so, turn on your hazard flashers and stay in the car while you call the authorities to report the incident. If your vehicle is disabled, stay in the vehicle if it is safe to do so. Getting out of the car and standing at the side of the road could increase the chances of being hit by passing traffic.

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