NASHVILLE, TN (WSMV) -
Drivers beware: Deer are on the move, and they are causing thousands of crashes each year on Tennessee roads.
They may look sweet and innocent, but deer can be quick and dangerous for cars going 70 mph on an interstate. Deer-related crashes spike during the months of October, November and December.
"Deer are doing a couple of things. It's their mating season, their rutting season. They will be looking more for food, too," said Doug Markham, with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.
Last year, more than 5,600 deer-related wrecks were reported in Tennessee, and two of those crashes resulted in human fatalities.
"I've actually worked crashes where the deer has come into the vehicle with individuals," said Sgt. J.D. Blackwell, with the Tennessee Highway Patrol.
That was the case in 2010, when a deer went through the windshield of a car near Percy Warner Park, killing an 8-year-old girl.
Most deer movement is at night and not always where crossing signs are posted.
"If you live out in the country where there are a lot of corn fields, soy bean fields and all of that kind of stuff, just your good common sense is the best thing you can use," Markham said.
Many times there will be more than one deer that jumps into the path of vehicle traffic, so it is important for drivers to stay steady after the initial shock.
"Don't swerve for fur. And what that means is if you swerve to miss a deer, you usually cause more damage to your car and can cause yourself more personal injury by trying to avoid it," Blackwell said.
Also, experts tell drivers not to jump out of the car to help a deer. Instead, call a THP officer on their hotline: *THP.
"Even a doe or a fawn can be dangerous. You do want to make sure a deer is dead before you go up on it," Markham said.
Tennessee has a roadkill law, so you must contact the TWRA to get the animal tagged before taking it to a processor.
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