By Sgt. Scott McDaniel
As many of you have noticed we have an abundance of deer in the area and with winter weather soon upon us we will all be dealing with slick roadways and icy conditions. Already several deer have been struck by vehicles with some not surviving their injuries and others limping off into the surrounding neighborhoods.
Learning to co-exist with wildlife can be challenging when they walk alongside and onto the roadways in areas where you would not expect them to be. Slowing down and paying attention to your surroundings as you travel is a good way to avoid a crash.
Should you come across deer while driving, remember that they are unpredictable and may run in front of you even if they are walking away from your moving vehicle. Pass slowly or come to a stop until they are clear from your path of travel.
Travelling at night decreases your visibility and your ability to react quickly. Where you see one deer others will follow. Rain, snow and fog are other factors to take into consideration when travelling in areas where deer are known to be.
The deer in this area are not restricted to the side streets and will cross major roadway arteries such as Carson and Stewart Streets as well as Highway 50 as they move around the valley. Drive with care and awareness and we can reduce the amount of deer versus car crashes.
— Sgt. Scott McDaniel is with the Carson City Sheriff’s Office and writes regular weekly public safety columns. He can be reached at smcdaniel@carson.org
