KNOXVILLE, Tenn — Fall signals a familiar warning for drivers — deer. The risk of hitting a deer on the road spikes in November. As of Nov. 2, there have been 3,527 crashes involving deer across the state this year.
Burnette Turner is the manager at Rick’s Collision Repair. He has been fixing cars in the Powell community for 30 years and he said he has seen hundreds wrecked because of a deer. He warned that hitting one can completely destroy the front of one, and cost thousands to repair.
"Watch the shoulders and the road for a deer crossing the road," he said. "Just pay attention."
Rick's Collision Repair doesn't have any cars with hair wedged in the cracks right now but they're expecting some soon.
"They don't think it'll happen to them, but it does," Turner said.
Mating and hunting season for deer last from November through December and more drivers may see them close to the road. WBIR has reported driving safety tips year after year during this time, and advice from troopers has always stayed the same — be careful.
“When you try to swerve to miss it, you're not really looking to see what's around you," said Lt. Don Boshears with Tennessee Highway Patrol. "We recommend trying to slow down. If you're in that situation where you know there's no way that you're going to avoid hitting it, then slower your speed. It will have less impact and less damage, less chance that you're going to get hurt could result."
“Deer-related crashes can be a very serious and dangerous incident,” said THP Colonel Tracy Trott. “Deer pose a danger to motorists throughout the year, especially in the fall. It is important for motorists to exercise caution, slow down and remain alert in areas where deer are present.”
Tennessee Highway Patrol suggests the following tips to help prevent deer-related crashes:
- When you see deer cross the road, expect more to follow. Many times, the second or third deer crossing becomes the one that motorists hit.
- Be attentive and drive defensively constantly scanning the roadside, especially at dawn and dusk.
- Do not swerve to avoid contact with deer. This could cause the vehicle to flip or veer into oncoming traffic causing a serious crash. Swerving can also confuse the deer as to where to run.
- When you spot a deer, slow down immediately. Proceed slowly when passing.
- If you do collide with a deer, never approach the animal. They are powerful and can cause bodily harm to a human. Report any deer collision, even if the damage is minor.
State law allows people to take home a hit deer for food as long as they contact the nearest Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency regional office and report the accident within 48 hours. For a list of TWRA regional offices, click here.