Recently, a friend of mine was in an accident when a buck darted in front of his car. He is ok, but it got me thinking about the accident I had when I hit a deer and the many more close calls.

Research released has pinpointed the areas in Monmouth and Ocean counties that have a high rate of car/deer accidents. 

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(photo: SteveOehlenschlager, Thinkstock)
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According to APP, the Garden State Parkway is #1 for car vs. deer incidents. But, the one mile on the GSP where Holmdel and Hazlet meet has had more car-deer accidents than any other spot at the Shore.

The research also identified these areas as the most dangerous for a deer run in.

MONMOUTH COUNTY

  • Colts Neck - Route 18 (61 crashes)
  • Marlboro - Route 18 (61 crashes)
  • Manalapan - Route 33 and Millhurst Road (59 crashes)
  • Freehold - Route 33 and West Main Street (25 crashes)
  • Marlboro - Route 79 and Route 520 (22 crashes)

Clearly, Routes 18 & 33 are especially treacherous.

OCEAN COUNTY

  • Jackson - 195 (85 crashes)
  • Eagleswood - Route 9 (24 crashes)
  • Lacey - Lacey Road (12 crashes)
  • Jackson - Toms River Road at Lakehurst Avenue (12 crashes)
  • Toms River - Route 37 and Bimini Drive (11 crashes) 

I've had many near misses on 195 in Jackson. That stat doesn't surprise me.

Geico says:

  • Dawn and dusk are the times you are most likely to encounter deer along the roadside.
  • Deer breeding season runs from October through early January, and during this time they are highly active and on the move. This is when deer-vehicle collisions are at their peak.
  • As pack animals, deer almost never travel alone. If you see one deer, you can bet that there are others nearby.
  • The two most important ways to avoid a deer-vehicle collision are: slow down and SLOW DOWN. If you are driving through an area known for high deer populations, slow down and observe the speed limit. The more conservative you are with your speed, the more time you will have to brake if an animal darts into your path.
  • Always wear a seat belt. The most severe injuries in deer-vehicle collisions usually result from failure to use a seat belt.
  • Use your high beams whenever the road is free of oncoming traffic. This will increase your visibility and give you more time to react.
  • Deer can become mesmerized by steady, bright lights so if you see one frozen on the road, slow down and flash your lights. Some experts recommend one long blast of the horn to scare them out of the road, as well.
  • Never swerve to avoid a deer in the road. Swerving can confuse the deer on where to run. Swerving can also cause a head-on collision with oncoming vehicles, take you off the roadway into a tree or a ditch, and greatly increase the chances of serious injuries.
  • Deer are unpredictable creatures, and one that is calmly standing by the side of the road may suddenly leap into the roadway without warning. Slowing down when you spot a deer is the best way to avoid a collision. However, if one does move into your path, maintain control and do your best to brake and give the deer time to get out of your way.
  • Don’t rely on hood whistles or other devices designed to scare off deer. These have not been proven to work.
  • If you do collide with a deer (or large animal), try to let off the brakes at the moment of impact. Braking through the impact can cause the hood of your vehicle to dip down, which can propel the animal through the windshield.
  • Call emergency services if injuries are involved, or the local police if no one is injured, but damage has been caused to your property or someone else’s.
  • Never touch an animal that is in the roadway. Report the incident to your insurance company as soon as possible.

Where in Monmouth and Ocean do you see the most deer? Give us specific locations in the comment section below. Drive safe!

[source: APP]

 

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