Dodging the deer

It is kind of amazing how many people I have talked to who don?t live in Iowa and who are tremendously skeptical when I tell them that the common deer is one of the most dangerous non-domesticated animal in the United States.

Likewise, people who live in Iowa ? or Wisconsin or rural Illinois ? really don?t have trouble believing that at all. That is because anyone in those areas who values their safety or the resale value of their vehicles knows the dangers posed by these seemingly timid creatures. This time of year the danger from these animals rises several-fold.

Quick story ? about eight years ago when Coffee Corner was located on the north side of the square, I received a call that there was an uninvited trespasser in the business. According to the police scanner a deer had broken through the glass door and was running around breaking up the interior of the business. I missed seeing the deer by about a minute. Firefighters had chased the deer out and across Central Park. Owner Gina Richardson may still have an antler that was knocked off during that incident (she showed it to me afterward). Extra cool points go to the patron who remained seated at the counter sipping coffee and occasionally glancing over at the deer inside the business.

While deer are not known for attacking humans, the real danger from these animals comes during their mating season - right now. According to State Farm Insurance, Iowa is the third highest state in the nation to have vehicle insurance claims due to a collision with a deer. The article says Iowa drivers have a 1-in-68 chance of having a collision with a deer and are 13.2 percent more likely than the average state in the nation.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Commission has also reported that annually deer are responsible for about 150 deaths and about $1.1 billion in property damage.

During this time of year, it is important for drivers to take extra care. Believe me, there are few things worse than coming around a corner and seeing a deer in the middle of the road freezing and not moving out of the way as your car is bearing down on them.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recommends drivers use extra caution in known deer zones. (Sometime, when you get the chance, ask county naturalist Pam Holz to play the audio of a caller complaining she hit a deer and the sign marking deer crossing was in fact over a mile away.) Seat belts are also important. Drivers should also use high beams at night when there is no oncoming traffic. People should avoid swerving when they see a deer; this could cause a driver to swerve into oncoming traffic.

Former Department of Natural Resources worker Don Pfeiffer once described scanning the sides of the roadway for deer. Good idea. People should also not put as much trust is such things as deer whistles as they do. Sure, gadgets are fun, but they do not replace awareness. Also, if a driver sees a deer crossing the roadway, always be on the lookout for other deer following it.

The bottom line is deer are out and about on roadways and they are unpredictable. Drivers need to be sure to be aware of their surroundings. I know this isn?t always enough to avoid a collision, but it helps improve the odds. Trust me, striking a 200-pound animal with a car is no fun.