North Carolina drivers are asked to watch out for deer now that their mating season is underway.
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"This is the time of the year when deer are extremely active and the chances of them darting into the roadway are much higher," Tiffany Wright, AAA spokesperson, said in a news release.
According to NCDOT, there was an increase of more than 2,300 animal-vehicle crashes in 2019, with the overall figure reaching 20,331 crashes - of which 90% are assumed to be deer. Fifty-one percent of those crashes happen October through December.
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The AAA offered these tips for drivers:
- Most deer are active between 5 a.m. - 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. so pay extra attention during this time if you're out on the road.
- If you see a deer, slow down and watch out for other deer that may follow.
- While slowing down, honk your horn to scare the animal.
- Brake firmly and do not swerve.