Dubious Distinction: Chester County No. 1 in Deer-Related Crashes

By Kara Seymour

Chester County ranks No. 1 in the state when it comes to deer-related car crashes, according to figures released this week by AAA.

In 2013, there were 3,364 reportable crashes statewide involving deer, resulting in 11 human fatalities, AAA said. Reportable crashes are those that involve injury, death or vehicle towing.

The highest number of reportable crashes happened in Chester County. Bucks County had the second most. Delaware county ranked fifth in number of deer-crash claims.

This time of year, drivers should be extra cautious, the AAA warns. That’s because mating season goes from October to December.

“Motorists need to be extra vigilant no matter what road they travel, but especially those on rural, wooded roads and during commuting times which coincides with high times of deer activity. If a deer-vehicle collision is unavoidable, don’t swerve out of your lane or lose control of your vehicle.” said Jenny M. Robinson, manager of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic. “Also protect yourself by always wearing a seat belt and staying alert and sober.”

PennDOT offers these deer safety tips for driving:

• Watch for the telltale glow of a deer’s eyes in the dark.
• Deer travel in groups and in single file so, if you see one, be prepared for more to follow.
• If you see a deer, slow down, tap your brakes to warn others and sound your horn to move the deer.
• Deer fixate on headlights - flashing them may cause the deer to move out of harm’s way.