Avoiding Deer Collissions in Northern Virginia
It is that time of year when deer are getting very active, and they will be more active over the next few months. I am sure you are seeing deer lying on the sides of many roads in the area. Last week there was one with a full rack sitting on West Ox Road near Fairfax/Oakton. The police had to close a lane and divert traffic because the deer couldn't move. I am not sure if it had already been hit or what the particular situation was.
The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries recommends the following tips to drivers to avoid hitting a deer.
1. When driving, particularly at dusk and dawn, slow down and be attentive. If you see one deer, likely there will be others. If one deer crosses the road as you approach, others may follow.
2. Deer habitually travel the same areas; therefore deer crossing signs have been installed by the Virginia Department of Transportation. Use caution when you see these signs.
3. Drivers should apply brakes, even stop if necessary, to avoid hitting a deer, but should never swerve out of the lane to miss a deer. A collision with another vehicle, tree or other object is likely to be more serious than hitting a deer.
4. Rely on your caution and your own senses, not deer whistles you can buy for your car. These devices have not been shown to be effective.
5. Any person who is involved in a collision with a deer or bear while driving a motor vehicle, thereby killing the animal, should immediately report the accident to the Conservation Police Officer or other law enforcement officer in the county or city where the accident occurred.
6. Drivers who collide with a deer or bear, thereby killing the animal, may keep it for their own use provided that they report the accident to a law enforcement officer where the accident occurred and the officer views the animal and gives the person a possession certificate.
To begin your search for the perfect home or to sell your home in Northern Virginia, call Kim Darwaza at 703-856-2254. Please visit
http://www.kimdarwaza.com to search the MLS for Northern Virginia listings.