UGA Researchers Study Deer-Vehicle Collisions

Georgia drivers should be on the lookout even more as the state moves into the main time of the year when deer are most likely to be on the move.

That’s according to University of Georgia researchers who have completed a county-by-county analysis of when motorists should be more aware of possibly hitting a deer.

The university says researchers looked at breeding data and then compared it to deer-vehicle collision statistics across the state.

According to the study, there were 45,811 reported deer-vehicle collisions across Georgia between 2005 and 2012.

The research team says deer-vehicle collisions increase during what is called “rutting season” because white-tailed deer move around a lot more looking for mates.

Lead researcher James Stickles says that depending on someone’s location in Georgia, peak rut may occur anywhere from October to December.

To help officials, researchers compiled a map that lists specific peak dates for each of Georgia’s 159 counties.

For example, researchers say that the peak time when deer are on the move in Stephens County is between November 24 and November 30.

Stickles says that this information will allow officials to make drivers more aware in an appropriate timeframe.

As an example, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources is using the new maps to inform hunters of peak rut dates and the Georgia DOT is considering using the map to develop specific motorist warnings for each region.

However, researchers say motorists need to be alert regardless of the time of year.

They say that deer are more active from dusk to dawn, noting most deer-vehicle collisions occur early in the morning or late at night.

For that reason, drivers are urged to drive at a cautious speed, scan both sides of the road, and watch not just for the first deer, but the second deer as well, since deer are rarely alone.