Deer Causing Increase In Traffic Accidents, Deaths

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol reported an increase in traffic accidents and deaths involving deer collision on the roads last year compared to the previous year.

Thursday, October 28th 2010, 1:29 pm

By: News 9


Jacqueline Sit, News 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Oklahoma Highway Patrol reported an increase in traffic accidents and deaths involving deer collision on the roads last year compared to the previous year.

In the last year, there were over 200 accidents from deer collisions. Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation spokesperson Todd Craighead said the reason we're seeing more deer is because it's breeding season.

"They're more active this time of the year, and coinciding with the time in day length, more people are driving to and from work especially during dusk and dawn, when deer are most active," said Craighead.

News 9's Ken Brown was driving home late Monday night when something hit him out of nowhere.

"I was scared at first and couldn't stop and couldn't swerve because it was too close," Brown said. "I just look up and there was a deer coming out of a sky ‘cause he had just jumped over a fence. As soon as he hit the road I hit him."

His SUV was dented on the front costing him $2,000 in damages.This is not the first time his Explorer took a toll from an unexpected traveler.

"Last year I was on I-35 coming to work in about 4 in the morning and caved the back of the truck on the end," Brown said.

Experts also said there are more deer because of growth moving into deer territory.

"Use extra caution and put more faith into your own eye sight and your own caution," Craighead said.

For Brown, he's just glad he didn't have to face the worse.

"If I had been in a shorter vehicle, he could've gone through the windshield and he had a big rack so he could've stabbed me I guess. But luckily I was in a tall vehicle and I think that saved me," Brown said.

If you find yourself close to hitting a deer, do not swerve, the best thing to do is to err on side of caution and keep your eyes peeled. If you do run into a deer, call your city's animal control.

logo

Get The Daily Update!

Be among the first to get breaking news, weather, and general news updates from News 9 delivered right to your inbox!

More Like This

October 28th, 2010

March 22nd, 2024

March 14th, 2024

February 9th, 2024

Top Headlines

March 28th, 2024

March 28th, 2024

March 28th, 2024

March 28th, 2024