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Oh dear, it’s lovey-dovey time for deer

, wtop.com

FAIRFAX, Va. – Deer in the mood for love are greatly increasing the danger for drivers.

October and November are “rutting season.” That yearly mating period inevitably brings an increase in vehicle-deer encounters.

Hitting a deer can be dangerous, costly, and inconvenient.

Two years ago I on the way to work.

Fairfax County Police offer these tips to steer clear of deer:

  • Deer are especially active pre-dawn to mid-morning and dusk to early evening.
  • Deer travel in herds. If you see one deer, others are likely nearby.
  • Slow down. The slower you’re driving, the more time you have to avoid the deer if you see it.
  • Use high beams when there’s no oncoming traffic, to widen your area of visibility.
  • Notice Deer Crossing signs.
  • Watch for “eye shine” or light reflecting off a deer’s eyes. When you see it, slow down.
  • If a deer is “frozen in the headlights,” flash them, since steady lights can mesmerize deer.
  • Don’t swerve to avoid a deer, because it can cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
  • If a crash is going to happen, take your foot off the brake at the time of impact, to lower the chance of the deer crashing through your windshield.
  • Don’t rely on hood whistles, car horns, or other devices to scare deer. They don’t work.

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