By Jerry Curry, Staff Writer

It seems it's that time of year were deer want to cross the road without any warning.

In Indiana there are 14,000 deer-vehicle collisions reported annually. The likelihood of seeing a deer varies with time of day and month. Unfortunately, they are likely to appear when people are commuting to and from work. 

Generally, the motorist is most likely to come upon a deer at dawn and dusk. September through December, and particularly October and November during the mating season, the chances of running into a deer may increase. Areas to watch out for are agricultural fields and forest land. In urban area where deer hunting is illegal, deer maybe plentiful.

Remember, it’s better to hit the deer than to swerve into oncoming traffic or running into a deep culvert off the road.

Braking and blowing your horn continuously maybe your best defense. Never assume that there is only one deer.

An Indiana government website sites states, “Don’t rely on novelties like deer whistles. Whistles, fences, and reflectors are ineffective at deterring deer. “  

Don’t drive too close to other cars as they may hit the deer sending it over their car and into yours.

Deer may hit a vehicle in the front end as well as a side door costing thousands of dollars, personal injuries as well as death. The worst possible scenario is for the deer to enter the car interior and still be alive.

A recent accident happened in Washington County where a deer vs. motorcycle accident happened on June 11. The motorcycle driver was ejected from his seat. He was transported to University Hospital by Air Methods with non-life-threatening injuries.

If you hit a deer, pull over and turn on the hazard lights. Call the police or county sheriff.  Do not approach the deer, as it maybe still alive and very unpredictable. Deer can survive a direct hit and still be alive.

As a consolation you have the right to keep the deer for your own use. Deer meat can not be sold in the state of Indiana. A proper permit may be obtained from local police, state trooper, DNR conservation officer, DNR district or DNR property manager. 

Parts of this story were obtained through DNR Indiana department of Natural Wildlife website.