With the commencement of whitetail deer hunting season in Texas slated for this Saturday, Nov. 2, drivers are being cautioned to stay vigilant on the roads due to an expected increase in deer activity. The season coincides with the deer's mating period, known as the rut, which is a time when bucks are on the prowl for a mate and tend to throw caution to the wind, resulting in more frequent interactions with motorists.
Michael Chacon, TxDOT’s director of traffic safety, emphasizes the importance of driver attentiveness, "It is important that drivers are completely aware of their surroundings, especially this time of year," he said, and reminded that deer encounters can happen almost anywhere in Texas, not just in rural areas. Texas boasts over 5 million whitetail deer which preside in almost every county of the state, increasing the likelihood of these encounters.
To minimize the risk of collisions with deer, TxDOT recommends several safety precautions. Drivers should pay heed to deer warning signs which are normally found in areas with high animal traffic, although an encounter could occur in any location. It's also important to keep in mind that deer rarely travel in isolation – spotting one often means others are not far away. Reducing driving speed is advised if deer are seen near the edge of the roadway.
During nighttime hours, motorists are encouraged to make judicious use of high-beam headlights to better spot the reflective eyes of deer, provided no oncoming traffic is present. In the event of a deer on the road, the advice is to brake firmly while remaining in the lane to avoid swerving, which can lead to more severe accidents, as per TxDOT. If a collision with a deer does happen, do not attempt to approach the injured animal. Relocate the vehicle to a safe area and call emergency services, staying in the car which is the safer option.
Although deer activity is at its annual peak during the fall, with the most pronounced movements at dawn and dusk, TxDOT and traffic safety experts remind drivers that deer can venture onto or near roadways any time of the year. The details on these safety recommendations and more information are available on the TxDOT website.
