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News Release RI Department of Environmental Management 235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908 (401) 222-2771 TDD/(401) 222-4462
DEM CAUTIONS DRIVERS TO BE ALERT FOR DEER PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management is advising motorists to be alert for deer, particularly at dawn and dusk. The deer mating season is currently underway, and will continue through November and much of December. Deer tend to move around more frequently during this time, and November is typically the peak period for road kills.With shorter daylight hours, many commuters are on area roads during the dawn and dusk hours, when deer tend to be most active. Many of those deer live and roam in suburban and urban areas. Deer dart out suddenly and often travel together, according to DEM, so motorists should watch for any other deer that may try to cross the road, following the first one. DEM cautions that motorists should slow down while driving at dawn and dusk, use high beams when possible, and always use seat belts, since most injuries occur to drivers who are not belted. Lori Gibson, supervising wildlife biologist with DEM's Division of Fish and Wildlife, says that some people report success blowing the horn in one long blast. Other drivers swear by 'deer whistles', although studies have not proven their effectiveness, she noted. Most drivers are simply not able to react in time to avoid hitting a darting deer, despite best efforts. Swerving or braking suddenly can result in a more severe accident, as drivers lose control by crashing into oncoming traffic or swerving into trees. Trucks have also been known to jack-knife. Anyone who hits a deer should be careful while approaching it, as it may only be stunned, Gibson cautions. Serious injury could result from flailing antlers or hooves. Any deer-vehicle collision, she added, must be reported to DEM's 24-hour dispatch office at 222-3070, as well as to local police and the driver's insurance company. Four hundred seventy-six auto strikes had been reported through September 30 in Rhode Island this year, with the highest number - 41 each- reported in North Kingstown, South Kingstown and Warwick. According to statistics from DEM's Division of Fish and Wildlife, a total of 645 deer were killed statewide by vehicles last year. More deer are hit by cars in the month of November than at any other time. -30- |
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