By Gary Pitts
Murray, KY – The Kentucky Department of Transportation and State Police want motorists to watch for deer this Fall. Transportation spokesman Keith Todd says about half of all vehicle-deer accidents occur between now and December when deer are most active. He says taking measures such as honking at the deer or installing deer whistles can actually have an adverse affect.
"Actually honking is one of the worst things in the world that you can do because deer are very unpredictable. And if you honk at them, they're just as likely to run towards you as run away from you."
Officials also want drivers to know that not all deer freeze when caught in your headlight beams. Keith Todd.
"Sometimes they'll just stop. We've heard of instances where somebody came to a complete stop without hitting the deer, and then the deer jumped toward the headlights. They're just so unpredictable that your best bet is to stay as far away from them as you possibly can. If you see one crossing in front of you, slow down because they travel in groups. Its very likely that there might be another deer following that one across the road."
State Trooper Dean Patterson says most collisions occur just before sunrise and just after sunset. He says drivers should scan the roadside for deer, especially at dusk. Patterson says avoid swerving to miss deer, and in case of an accident, keep both hands on the wheel while slowing down steadily.