Drivers Don't Share The Love During Deer Mating Season

OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- It's mating season for deer and that means love is in the air. But that love comes at a price -- for the deer and for drivers.

Officials in Maryland warned motorists to slow down and be observant after an accident on an interstate Wednesday involving an animal and a tractor-trailer, WBAL-TV reported.

"You just, just don't know where they're going to come from," one motorist said.

And it's a common story.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reported a 62 percent increase in deer-related crashes in just the last five years. Those accidents occurred not only on highways, but on rural roads and suburban streets.

Experts said a decrease in habitat, overpopulation and mating season make deer a factor that drivers should think about every time they drive.

"Just going off on a ramp, deer jump in front of you. It's a really scary experience," motorist Margaret Fisher said.

Maryland state police said deer whistles mounted on cars don't have any effect during this time of year. The only real defense, experts said, is to drive slowly through wooded areas and stay alert.

And if a deer does run in front of your car, don't swerve.

"Most of your fatal or serious-injury crashes occur when you swerve to avoid a deer and veer off the roadway," state police 1st Sgt. Dave Perry said.

Officials say that hunting seasons don't really make much of a difference.