Charlotte-area drivers are entering the most dangerous stretch of the year for deer collisions.
Mecklenburg County recorded 1,709 animal-related crashes this year, the highest total in North Carolina. Those crashes injured 70 people, according to NCDOT.
Every year, that risk climbs sharply from October through December, when deer movement during the annual rut, or deer mating season forces male deer to travel farther while searching for females.
Officials recommend all drivers to install basic deer whistles at least until the fall rut is over.
Dawn And Dusk Are The Biggest Risk
Deer are most active around sunrise and sunset, putting their busiest hours directly against morning and evening commutes.
They are also not limited to rural roads. White-tailed deer are common in suburban areas with woods, mature trees and patches of undeveloped land.
That makes parts of Mecklenburg, Union and surrounding counties especially vulnerable to sudden crossings.
Statewide, animal strikes account for about 8% of all reported crashes, with deer responsible for most of them.
If You See One Deer, Expect Another
NCDOT recommends slowing down immediately when a deer appears near the road.
Deer often travel in groups, so another animal may follow seconds after the first one crosses.
Drivers should use high beams when conditions allow and watch closely near wooded areas, streams, bridges and railroad tracks.
Most importantly, do not swerve sharply to avoid a deer. NCDOT warns that leaving your lane or losing control can cause a more serious crash.
If a collision happens, move safely off the road and call 911. Drivers should not approach an injured deer.
For Charlotte-area drivers, the biggest warning is simple: watch the shoulders closely, especially around dawn and dusk.
