Deer hunting season is just around the corner and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) reminds motorists to be aware of the increased presence of deer on Central Texas roadways during the fall months.
Hundreds of animal-related crashes are reported each year, many of them involving deer.
“Drivers need to stay focused and alert at all times, but especially at this time of year when deer activity increases,” says TxDOT spokesman John Hurt. “We make the switch back to Central Standard Time this weekend, so it will be dark earlier which increases the risk of a vehicle-deer collision. Such accidents are especially hazardous to motorcyclists.”
While a crash involving a deer can happen at any time, the majority of deer-vehicle collisions occur between the months of October and December, when deer activity increases due to the mating and hunting seasons.
In the 11-county Central Texas area there were approximately 15,300 reported crashes on the state highway system in 2008 (the latest year for which figures are available) that involved at least an injury or resulted in a towed vehicle due to damage. Approximately 2.5 percent of those mishaps involved collisions with animals.
“It's also fairly clear that a good number of deer-involved accidents are probably not reported or were minor enough to not meet the reporting threshold,” adds Hurt. “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,”
TxDOT offers the following suggestions for motorists to avoid being in a deer-vehicle collision:
o Slow down in posted deer crossing areas and heavily wooded areas, especially during the late afternoon and evening.
o Drive with high beams on, when possible, and watch out for eyes reflecting in the headlights.
o Remember that deer often travel in groups, so do not assume that the road is clear if one deer has already passed.
o Do not swerve to avoid contact with deer. This could cause the vehicle to flip or veer into oncoming traffic, causing a more serious crash.
Local News
TxDOT warns of roadway dangers created by deer
- Local News
-
-
Massive crane lifts old theater from Spring Lake
Every job requires the proper tool. So it was on Thursday when the old Submarine Theater was finally lifted out of Spring Lake.
-
Teachers of the Year
-
Saturday Memorial Day ceremony to pay tribute
The public is invited to attend the annual Memorial Day ceremony at the San Marcos City Cemetery at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 26, sponsored by San Marcos American Legion Post 144.
-
Ruiz makes presentation about tax risks for boomers
Ruben Ruiz, local author and CEO of the Ruiz Financial Group, LLC and Money Concepts, recently presented at the National Group Conference, at the Fairmont Orchard Hotel on the big island of Kona, Hawaii.
-
HOT coming to Wimberley
The Heart of Texas (HOT) Chorus is coming to Wimberley for a free performance – and the public is invited.
-
2012 seniors to sweep San Marcos
The San Marcos High School seniors of the Class of 2012 will be out in force Saturday, cleaning up downtown, hoping that passers-by and local residents will donate $1 each to Project Graduation, the annual drug and alcohol free celebration for the senior class to celebrate their high school graduation.
-
Texas leading state for small business
In recognition of National Small Business Week, Texas Workforce Commissioner Tom Pauken shares some good news about our state’s positive climate for small businesses.
-
City plans park dedication in the name of San Marcos soldier killed in Afghanistan
The family of Capt. Paul Peña, the city of San Marcos, San Marcos Academy and representatives of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point will dedicate a park in honor of the fallen soldier at a special Memorial Weekend ceremony at 10 a.m. Saturday.
-
Cemetario del Rio
- Burn ban off – for now
- More Local News Headlines
-
Raw Video: Activists Allege Massacre in Syria
NJ Man Charged With Murder in Death of Patz
Support, Fun for Kids of Fallen Soldiers at Camp
Fugitive Penguin Caught, Returned to Aquarium
50 Years Later, Underground Fire Still Burning
Light Show Transforms Sydney Opera House
Raw Video: Unruly Passenger Restrained in Miami
Raw Video: Robber Uses Drive-thru Window
Raw Video: Dragon Arrives at Space Station
Calif.'s Coronado Named Nation's Best Beach
CEO Salaries Become Sore Issue in Labor Disputes
Raw Video: Fight Erupts in Ukrainian Parliament
Texan Ranchers Remain Wary of Drought
Raw Video: Soldiers Plant Flags at Arlington
Police: Man Arrested in Etan Patz Disappearance
NYC Protests: the Revolution Will Be Scripted
Chicago U.S. Attorney Fitzgerald Resigns
Neighbors of Etan Patz's Suspect: It's Shocking
Gulf Fishermen Reel From Seafood Troubles
Stuntman Makes Skydive Without Parachute in UK
