Guest EDITORIAL: How to avoid deer danger

Jan. 02--It is deer season.

But we are not talking about the season where people go out into the woods with guns, camouflage and nearly freeze themselves to death to bag the elusive buck. We are talking about the time of year when deer most often collide with motorists causing a lot of damage, injuries and even death.

There are about 1 million car accidents with deer each year that kill 200 Americans, cause more than 10,000 personal injuries and result in $1 billion in vehicle damage, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

A Georgia driver has a 1-in-131 chance to be in a deer-related crash each year, behind Mississippi at 1-in-91, South Carolina's 1-in-98 and Arkansas' 1-in-106 among Southern states, according to State Farm.

During deer mating season, the danger in Georgia is well above the national average for deer collisions.

"Georgia's rapid growth coupled with the whitetail deer's amazing ability to adapt makes collisions all the more likely. Be alert, especially in these fall months when deer movement is at its highest. Just as important as the time of year and the time of day is the need to put down your phone and not be a distracted driver. In the split seconds you divert your eyes from the road to check Facebook, a 20-pound whitetail deer may step into the path of your vehicle," said Justin Tomczak, a State Farm spokesman.

The insurance provider offered driver safety tips:

-- Slow down, particularly at dusk and dawn.

-- If you see one deer, be prepared for more deer to cross the road.

-- Pay attention to deer crossing signs.

-- Buckle up. Every trip, every time.

-- Use your high beams to see farther, except when there is oncoming traffic.

-- Brake if you can, but avoid swerving, which could result in a more severe crash.

-- Remain focused on the road, scanning for hazards, including animals.

-- Avoid distractions, such as devices or eating, which might cause you to miss seeing an animal.

-- Do not rely on products such as deer whistles, which are not proven effective.

-- If riding a motorcycle, always wear protective gear and keep focus on the road ahead.

There is also an increased risk of collision with deer around dawn and dusk, Tomczak said.

"Drivers should be engaged, alert and on the lookout at all times, because you never know when you may need to react to a deer or other obstacle that may cross your travel path," he said.

We encourage our readers to be cautious drivers and hope everyone stays safe on the roadways.

This editorial originally in The Valdosta Daily Times.

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