The Fairfax County Police Department has some important safety tips for motorists during this deer season.

Deer are most active between 6 and 9 p.m.

Use high beam headlamps as much as possible at night to illuminate the areas from which deer
may enter roadways.

Deer generally travel in herds – if you see one, there is a strong possibility others are nearby.

Do not rely on car-mounted deer whistles; they may not work.

If a deer collision seems inevitable. Do not swerve to miss a deer. This may cause you to lose
control of your vehicle, strike a tree or another vehicle or to overturn.

If you cannot avoid hitting a deer, take the following precautions:

Slow down and grasp the steering wheel firmly with both hands.

Take your foot off the brake at the time of impact so the front end of your vehicle will lift up and
enable the deer to go under the car, rather than over it – reducing the danger of it crashing
through the windshield or windows.

If the animal is injured or killed, report the collision through the county’s non-emergency line at
703-691-2131. To learn more about deer activity in Fairfax County, check
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/living/animals/wildlife/management/deer-management.htm.