WKRN, Nashville, Tennessee News, Weather, and Sports |Deer crashes more likely during mating season

Deer crashes more likely during mating season

NASHVILLE, Tenn.- Deer-related car crashes are more frequent and more dangerous this time of year as deer mating season begins.

It's a terrifying scene for any driver to see a deer suddenly jump in front of the car.

In 2008, 5,140 drivers in Tennessee were involved in deer-related crashes, with 266 people injured and one person killed. 

Local vehicle repair shops notice that this time of year, more cars come in after having an encounter with the whitetail creature.

Ben Durham, a manager at Vogely and Todd Collision Center on Murfreesboro Road, said, "This time of year it is pretty steady. Last week, we did four or five. We've got two or three on the shop right now. "

He says it’s the "one time of year that we can depend on a steady line of work along with the deer hits."

There are a couple of reasons for the increase. First, the deer are beginning their mating season, meaning the bucks are moving more looking for does.

Also, more hunters are in the woods causing the deer to move even more.

Durham says it can be costly to repair the damage done in this type of crash.

"Small bumper job, two or three hundred dollar repairs, all the way up to total losses where the insurance companies claim the car is not repairable,” he said.

One woman driving a van had her collar bone broken when a deer came through the window.

Deer-related crashes don’t just occur in rural areas.

Durham said, "We've had cars come in from Green Hills and some of the more Metro areas.”

As a driver, there are the typical things you can do to try and avoid a deer.

Slow down, keep your lights on bright when possible, and keep vigilant about watching the sides of the road.

If you see a deer, be cautious and ready for it to run in front of you.