MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WMOT) -- Thousands of Tennesseans will have dangerous close encounters of the deer kind in coming weeks.
Motorists can encounter deer crossing the state’s highways any time of the year, but the number of accidents involving deer skyrocket in the fall and early winter.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol is warning drivers to be extra watchful for deer now through December. On average, deer cause more than 1300 accidents across Tennessee in November alone.
The THP’s Sargent Bill Miller reminds motorists that deer usually move in small groups.
“If you see a deer on the side of the road - a deer runs across the road - be paying attention for the other deer. Be very vigilant in looking for the second and third deer because typically that is the deer that runs out directly in front of your vehicle.”
Sargent Miller notes that three Tennessee’s died last year in accidents involving deer.
The THP says you should never swerve to miss a deer, because you could lose control of the vehicle.