Driving in Pennsylvania in the Fall? Watch Out for Deer!
Posted By Attorney Christopher Marzzacco on Nov 16, 2009 7:13am PST
If you live in Pennsylvania, you know that the Fall season means beautiful fall fooliage, fresh air and preparation for the upcoming holidays. Many Pennsylvanians and tourists hit the roads this time of year--to view the fooliage, travel to football games or begin their holiday shopping seasons. When driving this time of year, particularly on the back roads of rural areas of the state, you can almost bet that you'll encounter something else on the roads: White Tail Deer.
Did you know that Pennsylvania drivers have the third highest odds in the U.S. of hitting a deer with a motor vehicle? According to a recent article in The Patriot News, Pennsylvania ranks third behind only Michigan and West Virginia. In those state, drivers have 1 in 39 and 1 in 78 chances of striking a deer in a motor vehicle accident, whereas Pennsylvania drivers have a 1 in 94 chance of the same. The bottome line: Expect to see Bambi on the roads and drive accordingly!
Driving Tips:
1. Drive slowly! Remember that speed affects reaction time. Under Pennsylvania law, you must drive at or under the posted speed limit. If conditions such as rain, fog or snow are present, you might have to drive at speeds well under the limit to prevent "driving too fast for conditions."
2. Know your road. If you're driving on a winding, country road that traverses through corn fields, chances are that you will see deer on or near the roadway.
3. Be particularly alert at dawn and dusk. Deer feed early in the morning and early in the evening. Scan the roadway and the sides of the road. If you see one deer, look for more, as they usually travel together.
4. Use your high-beams. After dusk and at night, use as much light as possible to illuminate your path ahead. Under Pennsylvania law, you must be able to stop your vehicle in the "assured clear distance ahead." This means you must be able to stop as far in the distance as your headlights allow you to see.
5. If you see a deer, avoid it cautiously. If traffic conditions allow you to do so safely, slow down, put on your flashing lights and honk your horn. Avoid a collision with a deer, but don't run off the road or into another lane of travel!
6. If a collision seems unavoaidable, don't swerve! Try to stop, but do not risk the greater injury that could occur from a head-on collision with another vehicle or roadside obstacle. Remember, swerving increases your chances of a roll-over crash, particularly if you are driving an SUV.
As a car accident injury lawyer at The Law Offices of Colgan Marzzacco, I provide legal representation to persons injured in car accidents on Pennsylvania highways and roads each and every day. If you or a loved one needs to speak to a car accident lawyer in Pennsylvania, call me for a free consultation. This Fall season, enjoy the fooliage, football and the many outdoor activities Pennsylvania has to offer, but please drive safely.