Warning, Reston Drivers: There's One Big Threat on the Roads This Fall

RESTON, VA — With autumn just about in full swing, drivers in the Reston area will need to watch for one major threat on the roads: deer. Fall is the breeding season for deer, and they're likely to be out wandering the roads looking for mates -- and causing accidents for drivers who aren't wary.

The Fairfax County Police Department is warning residents of the hazard of white-tailed deer, which the department describes as a "serious public safety concern" in a statement.

Virginia has one of the highest rates of deer-vehicle collisions in the nation. One out of every 94 drivers will report a deer-vehicle collision in the state this fall, according to the statement, and the average cost of a claim is $3,995.

About a half of all deer-vehicle collisions -- and often more -- happen in the October, November and December months, and deer are especially active in the pre-dawn, mid-morning and dusk hours, which are when a lot of residents are commuting to and from work or school.

The Fairfax County Police Department has the following tips for drivers:

• Drive the speed limit.
• Wear your seat belt.
• Slow down and be attentive when driving at dusk and dawn in particular.
• Look for eye shine, and remember that if you see one deer, there are probably others.
• Use high beams when traffic permits.
• Look for "Deer Crossing" signs.
• Slow down and flash your headlights if you see a deer in the roadway.
• Don't swerve to avoid a deer, as you can lose control and strike something a lot more solid than a deer.
• If an impact is imminent, hold your steering wheel tightly, reduce speed and take your foot off the brake at the time of impact.
• Report a deer strike to Fairfax County Police as soon as possible by calling 703-691-2131 if it is not an emergency (call 911 if you or a passenger are injured).

Image via FCPD