The Tennessee Highway Patrol recently issued a warning to drivers to be on the lookout for a certain type of danger as they make their way on the roads and highways this fall and coming winter season. Here, the danger of which they are warning is not speeding, distracted driving or even drunk driving, but rather deer.
While this might seem like a driving danger more likely to be found in the Midwest, the state highway patrol is indicating that the threat is actually quite real here in the Volunteer State. In 2012 alone, three drivers were killed in car accidents involving deer here in Tennessee.
The state highway patrol also offered these additional statistics as further proof that Tennessee motorists need to be on the lookout for deer from October through December:
- In 2012, there were 5,911 deer-related car crashes, including 5,601 involving property damage, 307 involving serious personal injuries and 3 involving deaths
- Since 2008, deer-related car crashes have increased by 13.6 percent in Tennessee
- Between 2008 and 2012, 9.2 percent of all deer-related car crashes occurred on the interstate
“The chances of striking deer are considerably higher during hunting and mating season, especially in November. We want to urge drivers to be aware and cautious in areas where deer are populated, and most importantly, slow down,” said Colonel Tracy Trott.
What can motorists do to protect themselves?
According to the state highway patrol, motorists need to be more attentive and actively scan the roadside during dusk and dawn, which are the peak times that deer are on the move. They also indicate that motorists should not swerve to avoid striking a deer as this could potentially cause a rollover accident or accident with another vehicle, and to proceed slowly if a deer is spotted as there may be more in the immediate area.
Finally, the state highway patrol urges motorists to move their vehicle as far off the road as possible in the event of a deer-related crash and to dial *THP (*847) to be put into contact with the closest highway patrol communication center.
Remember, if you have been injured or lost a loved one in a car accident caused by the negligence of another, you should strongly consider speaking with an experienced and dedicated attorney.
Source: Nooga.com, “Tennessee troopers issue warning about deer,” Oct. 13, 2013
