News Release for March 27, 2008
For More Information:
Duane Brunell, MaineDOT Office of Safety, 624-3278
Mark Latti, MaineDOT Office of Communications, 624-3030

Motorists need to Be Wary of Roadside Deer

Despite winter’s reluctance to disappear, deer are moving out of their traditional wintering areas, and motorists are seeing deer more frequently along Maine’s roads and highways throughout the state.

“Roadsides are one of the first areas to lose their snow and green up in the spring," said Richard Bostwick, Supervisor of Field Studies in the Environmental office of the Department of Transportation. "After a long, harsh winter of eating poor quality food, deer flock to roadsides in search of new green shoots."

Deer along the sides of roads often means that deer end up in the roads, where they can be an unexpected hazard to motorists. Each year in Maine, there are over 3,000 deer-car collisions. Drivers should be especially cautious at night, since 80% of all deer/car crashes occur between dusk and dawn.This time of year, drivers should keep these tips in mind in order not to become another deer crash statistic:

• Slow down, especially at night, when most crashes occur. A car travelling at 70 miles an hour needs 750 feet to come to a stop.
• Be alert. Scan the road and roadsides ahead for deer. If you seen one, watch for others. Deer often travel and feed together in groups.
• Use your high beams where appropriate. It will help you view the road well ahead and give you more time to avoid a crash.
• Crashes with any large animal can be serious, causing both personal injuries and property damage. They can even be fatal.

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