Be aware of deer

Opinion

Discussion

September 29, 2009

Anonymous The Kokomo Tribune Tue Sep 29, 2009, 12:52 AM EDT

THE ISSUE:Harvest season and the higher possibility of vehicular accidents with deer.

OUR VIEW:Drive defensively. It can save you an average $2,800 in damage to your vehicle and, perhaps, your life.

Attention, motorists: Harvest is about to begin in earnest, and the activities of farmers will force deer into other areas.

Indiana’s big game animals mate and migrate between October and December. Deer-related traffic accidents will become more frequent.

Last year, Howard County sheriff deputies reported two motorcycle collisions with deer in the first two weeks of October. Those accidents injured three people.

“Motorcyclists operating after sunset need to use extreme caution,” Sheriff Marty Talbert said at the time. “In both of these cases, the cyclist had little, if any, time to react. Motorcyclists should reduce their speed after sunset, use their bright headlight when possible, and protect themselves by wearing a helmet and adequate motorcycle attire.”

That’s good advice. State Farm Insurance offers some of its own. Hoosier drivers can avoid involvement in deer-related accidents between now and December by taking a few precautions:

• Be aware of posted deer-crossing signs. These signs are placed in known deer-crossing areas.

• Be aware that deer are most active between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.

• Use high-beam headlamps as much as possible at night to illuminate roadsides where deer can linger.

• Be aware that deer often move in packs. If you see one, there is a good chance several more are just a few yards behind.

• Do not rely on car-mounted deer whistles. State Farm says studies show deer are not affected by these devices.

• If a collision with a deer seems inevitable and you’re driving a car or truck, it might be best not to swerve. The risk of personal injury is greatly increased by swerving, which could place you in the path of oncoming vehicles or might cause you to lose control of your vehicle.

There are an estimated 1.5 million deer-related accidents in the U.S. each year, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. These accidents annually cause more than 150 deaths and $1.1 billion in property damage.

Defensive driving can pay off during deer season. It can save you an average $2,800 in damage to your car or truck, and it could save your life.

Text Only | Photo Reprints

Opinion

Forever thankful
Monday is Memorial Day, a national holiday to remember those who have died while serving our country.

Memorial Day officially

May 26, 2012
Cheers and Jeers - Saturday, May 26, 2012
Thanks for your kindness

Terry Siegrist, a paralegal in Salina, Kan., sends this Cheer:

“The family of the late Esther Sprinkle wishes to send our heartfelt thanks to all who gave so generously of their kindness and sympathy in the death of our beloved mother and grandmother. We especially want to thank those who visited us at the funeral home and sent flowers, cards, memorials or food.

May 25, 2012
USPS scales back plans
The issue: Postal Service plans to keep smaller post offices open.

Our view: Agency deserves credit for listening to the concerns of customers.

May 25, 2012
Sign change is overdue
A colleague of ours years ago said Indiana lawmakers should change the state motto to “We’ll Get Around to It.” His observation is both funny and sad.

May 23, 2012 1 Story
Tips on flag etiquette
Monday is Memorial Day – set aside to honor those Americans who gave their lives in this nation’s wars. Lots of folks fly the flag every day as a show of patriotism, but what many might not know is that there are specific rules outlined in the U.S. Flag Code concerning its display.

May 21, 2012
Cheers & Jeers - Saturday, May 19, 2012
Carriers collect 19 tons of food

Brian S. Kidwell of Branch 533 of the letter carriers union sends this Cheer:

May 19, 2012
Walk a lap, fight cancer
Before you read any farther, stop for a second and think about what this one word means to you: cancer.

May 18, 2012
Program eyes troubled kids
If you know a teenager who has gotten off track, Elissa Andersen might be just the person to call.

May 16, 2012
Editorial - May 15, 2012: Hard work still pays
The issue: The Class of 2012.

Our view: Congratulations on your achievement, graduating high school seniors, and remember to thank those who helped you along the way to success.

May 15, 2012
de la Bastide: Indiana, the nation lose true statesman
During his 36 years in the U.S. Senate, Richard Lugar was noted for his ability to compro-mise when it came to legislation impacting the nation, and as a statesman when it came to foreign policy issues.

May 15, 2012
More Opinion Headlines

Opinion

Search Results

Discussion

Be aware of deer

Site Map

Contact Us