Drivers Be Deer Smart; It’s Breeding Season

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110513Deer           Deer breeding season is here which means residents and drivers may expect to see increased numbers of the animals on the roadways. Deer movements and behaviors may be unpredictable and deer-vehicle collisions are a serious public safety concern. November and December, statistically, have the highest number of crashes involving deer in Fairfax County and police warn residents to be aware.
In 2012, there were 27 crashes involving deer in the month of November, and a total of 140 deer-related crashes over the entire year. In 2013, there have been 118 deer-vehicle crashes so far.
The Fairfax County wildlife biologist and police urge motorists to be alert, drive with caution and remember these safety tips:

  • Watch for eye shine along roadsides. Deer travel in herds so if you see one, others may be near. Use high beams when traffic permits to spot them at a greater distance. Deer are most active between 6 and 9 pm. Deer crossing signs mark areas of high deer travel. Immediately begin to slow vehicle if you spot a deer.
  • If a deer jumps in your vehicle’s path, continue to reduce speed and grasp steering wheel firmly with both hands.
  • If a deer is stopped in the roadway, reduce speed and flash your headlights. Deer can become mesmerized or blinded by bright steady lights.
  • If a collision seems inevitable, attempting to swerve out of the way could cause loss of control and increase the chance of a more serious injury. This applies to all smaller animals, too.
  • Never depend on hood whistles, car horns, or other devices to scare deer out of your path. Several studies have shown that these methods do not always work.

If a deer is injured or killed, contact Fairfax County Police Department (non-emergency) at 703-691-2131.

Driving smart and staying informed improves your chances of avoiding a deer-vehicle collision.

As of 11/4/13, the table below depicts Fairfax County deer-vehicle collisions:

MONTH 2012 2013 TOTAL
JAN 5 6 11
FEB 12 11 23
MAR 10 7 17
APR 10 9 19
MAY 11 13 24
JUN 12 11 23
JUL 7 9 16
AUG 10 7 17
SEP 4 14 18
OCT 14 27 41
NOV 27 4 31
DEC 18  N/A 18
TOTAL 140 118 258

Learn more about Fairfax County deer management and wildlife, online or call the Fairfax County Wildlife Biologist at 703-246-6868.

More Information:

  • Follow us on Twitter @fairfaxpolice
  • Like us on Facebook
  • To request this information in an alternate format, call the Public Information Office at 703-246-2253,  TTY 711
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