Crashes Involving Deer On The Rise
VALLEY FORGE, Pa. -- There's no shortage of deer at Valley Forge National Historical Park. Unfortunately, an increasing number of these docile animals are showing up on the roads, especially this month.
"Just today I had to get three and it's only 3 o'clock," Wildlife Conservation Officer Jerrold Czech said.
Czech says this is matting season and the males are highly charged. They chase after the females and sometimes end up in the streets and on the highway.
Late Monday morning, Pennsylvania State Police say a deer crashed through the windshield of an SUV when it ran onto the Schuylkill Expressway.
The driver is out of the hospital. Officials say his fiancé is still in critical but stable condition.
"She suffered a massive head injury and skull fractures," Pennsylvania State Police Public Information Officer Danea Durham said.
According to PennDOT, in the past five years, 46 percent of deer accidents have happened in October and November. Statewide, last year, there were 3,000 crashes involving deer, which resulted in 600 injuries and five fatalities.
To avoid potential deer accidents, State Police and Wildlife Conservation Officers remind drivers to follow the speed limit.
"Be alert, be aware, and even make sure your brakes are working well," said Durham.
Reported By: Jericka Duncan, CBS 3
