RALEIGH (AP) — Highway officials are reminding North Carolina motorists to keep an eye out for an increased deer presence on state roads during the fall.
The Department of Transportation says the majority of deer-vehicle collisions occur between October and December, when deer activity increases due to mating and hunting seasons. Crashes are most common during the hours of 5 p.m. to 7 a.m., when deer movement increases and limited lighting makes it more difficult for motorists to see them on or near roadways.
Since 2009, crashes involving deer in North Carolina have resulted in 17 deaths, 3,498 injuries and approximately $139.1 million in property damage.
Experts say it is better to hit the deer if you can’t avoid it rather than lose control of your vehicle and cause a bigger accident.