Harvest season is here, and as farmers begin to work in the fields and hunters take to the woods, the movement of local deer is changed.
According to a release from Indiana State Police Sgt. Noel Houze, the ISP Versailles District, which encompasses southeastern Indiana and Decatur County, is looking to remind motorists of the deer movement that is increasing as the hunting and harvest seasons continue.
Deer will be looking to escape hunters and move away from loud farm machinery, forcing them across roads and endangering any motorist caught unaware. Deer also become much more active this time of year as the mating season, or “rut,” begins.
Southeastern Indiana is comparatively a very rural area with a significant deer population. The ISP is reminding motorists to use extra caution in those rural areas and by following a few safety tips. According to Houze, following the safety guidelines can decrease the chances of being involved in a vehicular collision with a deer.
Those tips are: using extra caution at dawn and dusk because those are times when deer travel most frequently; always scanning the sides of country and rural roads and using high beam headlights when possible; witnessing one deer means it is likely there are others close by; watching for deer signs, as they are clear warnings of deer in the area; not swerving across the center line or brake hard, because it is actually better to hit the deer than cause an additional traffic-related crash as a result of avoiding the animal; and always making sure everyone in the vehicle is buckled up.
The Indiana State Police Versailles District covers Dearborn, Decatur, Jefferson, Ohio, Ripley and Switzerland Counties in southeastern Indiana. According to information from the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute, about 696 vehicle and deer collisions were recorded in the Versailles. Only 56 of those occurred in Decatur County, and three resulted in the report of injuries. Decatur County ranked fourth out of the six counties that the ISP Versailles District serves. Dearborn County had the most deer and vehicle collisions, accounting for almost half of the entire district’s incidences. No fatalities were reported in 2008.
Car Versus Deer Collisions In Southeastern Indiana In 2008
Decatur County - 56 collisions, three injuries
Dearborn County - 315 collisions, four injuries
Jefferson County - 49 collisions, four injuries
Ohio County - 74 collisions, two injuries
Ripley County - 150 collisions, one injury
Switzerland County - 52 collisions, five injuries
Total - 696 collisions, 19 injuries
News
Related Photos
-
Kansas City Star/MCT
Don’t Be Caught Off Guard By Deer In The Headlights
- News
-
-
Statehouse action resumes after game break
After a time-out to accommodate out-of-town Super Bowl visitors, the Indiana General Assembly is back in session to tackle legislation that had been bottlenecked by a contentious labor bill.
-
Super Bowl experience was a winner
If praise and adulation put points on the scoreboard, then Indianapolis had a blowout victory hosting its first Super Bowl.
-
DCCF announces grant opportunities
The Board of Directors of the Decatur County Community Foundation (DCCF) is pleased to announce it will continue a variety of grant opportunities available for 2012 from the unrestricted pool of funds.
-
Meth lab numbers continue to rise
The Indiana State Police Meth Suppression Section was started in January 2006.
That year, there were 803 meth labs dismantled around the state. -
Daffodil Days program inspires hope
Decatur County residents can fight back against cancer and share hope for those facing the disease by supporting the American Cancer Society Daffodil Days.
-
Commissioners approve grant application
At their regular meeting Monday morning, the Decatur County Commissioners received an update from Bob Barker, of the Decatur County Parks and Recreation Department, regarding funding for and repairs to Greensburg's public pool.
-
Medical mission a success for First Baptist
A medical Mission trip organized by Greensburg's First Baptist Church brought dental and medical care to many impoverished citizens of the Dominican Republic recently.
-
Sexual predator arrested
At approximately 11:50 a.m. Saturday, Trooper Randel Miller was patrolling I-65 when he stopped a 2006 Dodge Charger near the 51 mile marker southbound for a traffic violation.
-
Dr. Bennett plans polar plunge
It was a spur of the moment decision.
In that moment, jumping into a lake in the middle of February sounded like a good idea. -
GPD arrests three, issues felony charges
Arrests warrants for David R. Drew, 41, and Angela S. Drew, 38, of 417 North AmRhein Drive were issued Thursday, Feb. 2.
- More News Headlines
-
Statehouse action resumes after game break
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Romney Congratulates Santorum, Focuses on Obama
Paul Says Results Help Him Rack Up Delegates
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
Raw Video: Giants Celebrate Another Super Bowl
Cab Driver Helps Wis. Family Escape House Fire
Greek Leaders Seek Deal As Bankruptcy Looms
Bernanke: Recovery Depends on Consumer Spending
Staff Removed at LA School During Abuse Probe
Eastwood in Super Bowl Ad 'Compassionate'
Stranded Fishermen Rescued From Bay of Green Bay
Analyst: Outside Troops Won't Intervene in Syria
Police: Father Planned Deadly Fire for Some Time
