Increase in deer-vehicle accidents

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - It's that time of year again. Deer can be seen out in the fields, and unfortunately, along the roadways.

Indiana State Police have been busy responding to numerous accidents involving deer this past month.

They say this time of year is always the busiest for deer collisions.

Sighting deer along the road or close to a populated area is not uncommon.

Bobbi Prose, owner of Honey Creek Collision in Terre Haute, saw 15 to 20 deer along the roadway while driving. She said those deer have instigated an uptick in her business.

She said the fall season is a busy time of year for them.

Significant property damage and injury to drivers in deer-vehicle accidents is a big issue each year in Indiana. 

And every year, Bobbi sees an increase in cars wrecked by deer either jumping in front of or into the side of a car.

But this year, she thinks it's on the heavy side.

"This year’s been pretty heavy for deer hits. It tends to vary year from year. Last year was pretty light. The year before was pretty heavy, and this year seems to be following that trend,” said Prose.    

Police say the best defense is a good offense.

Recognize peak deer hours, which is directly before sunrise and directly after sunset.

They also recommend constantly looking for sudden movement in or around the roadway.

Police say if you see you're going to hit a deer, do what feels comfortable for you at the time. Sometimes swerving your vehicle causes you to overcorrect and roll. Let off the accelerator and utilize your brakes as quickly as possible.

If you hit a deer, don't stop in roadway if at all possible, pull over to a safe location.

Motorists must report any crash where there is at least $1,000 in property damage or if someone is injured.