Deer on the run
Chartiers Township police Chief James Horvath says he always drives slowly on his way to work in the mornings, which likely does not earn him any brownie points with the drivers behind him.
But they should be grateful, at least on one morning last week, because the low speed gave everyone time to react when a big deer appeared on the side of the road.
“The deer are everywhere. It seems like I am seeing more this year,,” Horvath said. “I don’t know if they are getting pushed out by developments. I am also seeing a lot of them traveling in groups.”
“Probably there is not a day that goes by that we don’t get a call about one getting killed or hit,” he said. “The deer are in rut and hunting season will push them around, too. Be aware and go slowly.”
Carroll Township police Chief Paul Brand is also seeing more deer, with many of the animals getting pushed out of the woods by hunters.
“Drivers need to be cautious, especially at night,” Brand said.
AAA East Central has put out some tips from drivers who encounter a deer on the road. Do not swerve, but rather brake firmly if a deer darts out in front of you. If you see one deer, there are likely more to follow. Slow down if approaching the animals along the side of the road and expect them to run across. Keep your eyes moving back and forth, monitoring the road in front of you for movement. High beams should be used when there is no oncoming traffic. If you hit a deer, the AAA advises not approaching the animal in case it gets up and moves on. Do not try to move the deer, but call 911.