October & November riding

imported post

I got this e-mail from Pennsylvania DOT a few days ago and thought it was good info and a reminder that all of us stay especially alert this time of year.



Deer Activity Increasing, PennDOT Cautions Motorists

Harrisburg – Autumn brings an increase in deer activity, prompting PennDOT to remind drivers to watch carefully for deer darting across and along roadways.
“Deer movement increases during the fall breeding season, making it all the more important for motorists to drive defensively and stay alert, especially at dawn and dusk, to reduce the risk of striking a deer,” said PennDOT Secretary Allen D. Biehler, P.E. “Motorists also need to be aware of hunters and others walking along roadways on their way into or out of the woods.”

Deer pay less attention and become bolder as they move around more and travel greater distances during their breeding season. Primarily nocturnal feeders, deer are most active between sunset and sunrise.
Over the past five years, PennDOT statistics show nearly 46 percent of all reportable crashes involving a deer occurred in the months of October and November. More than 78 percent of the total crashes in the past five years involving deer occurred between the hours of 5 p.m. and 6 a.m. Last year, there were 2,797 crashes statewide involving deer, resulting in 636 injuries and 11 fatalities.