Vehicle-deer collision cause pricey damage

MT. PLEASANT — Over the weekend and leading into the new week, Henry County Sheriff’s Office kept busy with multiple deer-related vehicle collision reports over a three-day period.

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According to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, “the first few weeks of June marks the peak of the deer fawning season,” and fawning season often means more deer-vehicle collisions like those the which the Sheriff’s Office responded to June 8-10. While not always the case, no injuries were reported at any of the three incidents.

A report of a vehicle collision involving a 2017 Dodge Journey driven by Adalid Morales Castillo, 22, or Ottumwa and a deer came into the Sheriff’s Office just before 3 a.m. Saturday, June 8. A news release from the Sheriff’s Office stated Castillo was driving northbound on Highway 218 north of Mt. Pleasant when a deer struck the vehicle.

While Castillo made it to the Pilot gas station, the vehicle sustained disabling damage estimated at $4,000.

The next day just after 9 p.m., Henry County Sheriff’s Office once again responded to a report of a vehicle collision. Arriving at the 2700 block of Highway 34 near New London, an investigation found Laura Westfall, 38, of Mt. Pleasant was driving westbound on Highway 34 near Racine Avenue when a deer struck her 2016 Ford Fusion.

Westfall’s vehicle also received disabling damage estimated at $3,500.

Just before 6 a.m. Monday, June 10, Henry County Sheriff’s Office responded to a third deer-vehicle collision this time in the 2800 block of Highway 218 near mile-marker 37.

“An investigation determined that a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado driven by Kathi Rea, 52, of Lockridge was driving westbound on Highway 218 near the 37-mile marker when a deer struck the vehicle,” the news release from Henry County Sheriff’s Office states. “The vehicle sustained severe damage due to the collision. Estimated cost of repair the vehicle was $3,500. No injuries reported.”

With dawn occurring earlier and dusk setting in later during the summer months, the Iowa DNR warns drivers to use extra caution as these are the most dangerous times for deer-related collisions, especially during fawning season.

Iowa DNR Forest Wildlife Research Biologist Jim Coffey states that the additional movement this time of year is “part of the social structure of deer,” as doe look for safe isolated places to birth their fawn. Additionally, at this time of year, last year’s fawns, now yearlings, are setting out on their own and their movement behavior can occur at all times of the day as they figure out how to function independently. After they’ve settled, however, movement will increase once again at dawn and dusk.

So, how can a driver avoid a collision while sharing the road with erratic yearlings and determined mother-to-be doe?

The Iowa DNR encourages motorists to slow down and stay alert when deer may be most active around roadways.

Additionally, they should pay special attention to “deer funnels” which they define as areas where deer are most likely to be encountered along the roadway. These funnel areas often feature tall grasses, creeks, and fence lines.

“Deer are likely to follow those for the cover they provide, before crossing the short stretch of open road to the other side,” the Iowa DNR website explains. “By watching the road shoulders and fence lines, drivers can better detect a deer near the road. Remember, too, if one deer crosses the road; chances are couple more are nearby.”

Drivers are reminded to use their headlights to help minimize their chances of an unfortunate vehicle-deer collision. Using high-beam lights at nighttime when it is safe to do so and decreasing light inside the vehicle can improve visibility.

While using these headlights, drivers can survey the roadside for shining eyes as headlights will reflect off deer eyes.

Because these defensive driving tactics can’t always keep drivers safe from deer collisions, the Iowa Department of Transportation continues to remind drivers “Don’t Veer for Deer.” Stay calm. Do not swerve into other lanes.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com