It’s the time of year for some serious hunting but that’s not what I’m talking about today. I’m talking about the deer/vehicle collision season. When a deer decides it’s time to cross the road it’s only thinking about getting to the other side. It’s not thinking about who/what is on that road. That’s what happened to our very own Pierce County Journal editor Sarah Nigbor. Here’s her experience from two weeks ago.

“I should have been traveling a bit slower perhaps. I was traveling on Highway 29 at 7:20 a.m. trying to get Carolina to school on time. As a vehicle in the oncoming lane passed us, the deer literally ran from the ditch (on my driver's side), crossed the road right behind that oncoming vehicle (I'm surprised that vehicle didn't clip it) and right in my path. I never could have seen it coming because the other vehicle obstructed my view. I hit that thing going 55 mph and it was over before I could blink. The deer bounded off into the woods on the other side and I kept going. We made it into town, at which point my engine overheated. I got Carolina to school on time though!”

The peak months for deer/vehicle collisions are October and November but there is another peak time for deer conflicts and that is at first light and at last light. That also falls in line with Sarah’s accident being that it happened in the early morning hours.

Here are some more interesting and perhaps eye-popping stats. In 2024, there were over 17,000 crashes involving deer which resulted in nine deaths and 707 injuries. Motorcyclists are at a much higher risk for injury or death in a collision with a deer.

The average repair cost for a deer collision is between $2,500 and $6,000, but it can range from under $2,000 to over $10,000, or even result in a total loss. Sarah was able to limp her vehicle back into town but that was the last time she drove her vehicle as it was a total loss. Thank goodness there were no injuries associated with the accident.

Sometimes there is nothing that can be done to avoid a deer/vehicle collision and a great example of that is Sarah’s encounter. Her grandpa taught her well because she knew what to do, she just didn’t get a chance to use that knowledge. 

To avoid hitting a deer drive at a safe speed, especially at dawn and dusk when they are most active. If you see a deer, brake firmly without swerving, honk your horn, and use high beams at night to increase visibility. If a collision is unavoidable, maintain your lane and brake firmly, but do not swerve as it can cause a more severe accident. Know that deer often travel in groups so if you see one, expect more to follow. 

Here's hoping that all our deer sightings take place while we’re sitting in a tree stand, not sitting in our vehicles.

Didn’t get enough Dave this week? Visit “Outdoor Trails and Tales with Dave Beck” on Facebook for photos and video of Dave’s adventures. You can share your own photos and video with him there as well, or by emailing him at dave@piercecountyjournal.news Also, check out OTT content on Instagram @thepiercecountyjournal