The Rising Number of Deer-Related Crashes in Montgomery County During Peak Seasons

The coming of Fall is a welcome respite from the heat of Summer. Pennsylvanians look forward to cooler temperatures as the calendar flips from September to October.

With all that there is to anticipate with Fall coming into focus, there are some downsides to this season. Foremost among those downsides is the increased likelihood of your coming into contact with a deer on the roads of Montgomery County.

Fall is the peak season for deer in and around Montgomery County

It is no coincidence that deer activity picks up with the coming of Fall in Montgomery County. Fall marks the beginning of the peak season for deer heading out to find a mate. As deer seek one another out, they often end up around roadways where commuters travel. More active deer means that hunting season is right around the corner, as well.

Along with deer becoming more active in early Fall, daylight hours continue to diminish. The long days of Summer begin to shorten noticeably in the Fall. As darkness creeps into drivetime and rush hour traffic, it is no wonder that reduced visibility also increases the likelihood of a deer-related car crash.

When deer cause car accidents in Montgomery County

Most commonly, the maneuver that causes the most accidents per year is a vehicle attempting to swerve to avoid a deer. This can put that vehicle in a position where a head-on collision with a vehicle travelling the other direction becomes more likely. Even more likely than a head-on collision is the risk of hitting a tree as you try to avoid a deer.

The legal standard for motorists in Pennsylvania

Montgomery County drivers owe a duty to operate their vehicles with reasonable care. Reasonable care equates to the same level of care that a reasonably prudent driver would exercise. m

What can motorists do to avoid a deer-related car crash?

When travelling on poorly lit roads, it is critical to slow down as much as possible. Montgomery County is home to wooded, rural roadways that are beautiful but difficult to navigate when visibility decreases. This is also when deer tend to make their way onto these roads to seek a mate or even to avoid hunters. Having your eyes fixed on the road helps you to anticipate when it is necessary to brake.

An experienced motorist (or woodsman) can tell you that when one deer is spotted, there are more than likely many more to follow. Deer travel together for a number of reasons, not least to stay safe. Strength in numbers is not only a concept for people, after all. Before encountering those deer, make sure that your seat belt is tightened securely.

Again, it bears mentioning that October through December is the peak season for deer activity and, therefore, deer-related car accidents. Dawn and dusk are the likeliest times of the day for a motorist to encounter deer on Montgomery County roads. Those hours can be expanded in areas that are not usually hunting grounds.

Do not assume that the roadway is clear even if you are looking into the distance. A deer crossing the road can occur in an instance. Vigilance and constant monitoring of the road in even lightly wooded areas is key to avoiding an accident.

What steps should you take if you hit a deer with your vehicle

Undoubtedly, experiencing a car accident is one of the most stressful experiences that a person can go through. This is true in even the most straightforward type of car accident, like a rear-end collision. The stress caused by a car accident involving a deer- often in a dark, wooded location- is oftentimes even more severe for a driver.

The safety of you, your passengers, and any other people involved in the accident is the top priority immediately following a deer-related car crash. Here are some steps to follow after being involved in a deer-vehicle crash:

• If you are physically able to do so, drive your vehicle to a safe location out of the main lanes of traffic. Then, document the scene of the accident as best as possible. Take photographs, collect insurance information for other drivers, and record witness statements from anyone who saw the accident occur.

• Seek immediate medical attention. Even bumps and bruises can develop into something more serious if left untreated. Emergency medical care may be necessary in extreme situations. However, visiting a primary care doctor to be examined for neck or low back pain is worthwhile.
• Do not approach the deer. If the deer is still alive, it is very likely severely injured. An injured animal can act aggressively due to fear and pain. Instead, contact emergency authorities and note that a deer was involved in the accident. Animal control or other groups can arrive and tend to the animal.

Anthony C. Gagliano, III, Esquire, P.C.- an advocate for those injured in car accidents

The last thing on anyone’s mind before leaving the house in the morning is the possibility of being injured in a car accident involving a deer. With that said, it is critical that you be prepared to handle the challenges, injuries, and other difficulties that may arise should you find yourself in that type of situation.

Anthony C. Gagliano, III, Esquire, P.C. has the experience and skill you need to proceed with an accident claim. Our team of legal professionals has walked shoulder to shoulder with people who were injured due to circumstances beyond their control. A deer’s decision to enter a roadway may not be something you can anticipate, but it is something that a Montgomery County car accident attorney is prepared to help you with.

Contact our office today for a no-charge consultation. We take pride in serving clients who have been injured in car accidents.