Marshall County
Sheriff

Be Alert for Deer

November 6, 2017

Marshall County, Iowa - The Marshall County Sheriff’s Office reminds drivers to use caution and be alert for deer on the roadways. On the morning of November 3rd, Deputies responded to four crashes with deer within a one-hour time period. According to Iowa DOT crash statistics; October, November, and December are the peak months for motor vehicle crashes with deer. Fall is the start of the mating season for deer which causes them to be on the move. Farmers are also working to complete the harvest of crops which also contributes to the extra movement of the deer.

According to IDOT statistics there were 7,186 animal-related crashes in 2016 in Iowa. Those crashes resulted in 3 fatalities, 24 major injuries, 117 minor injuries, and over $30 million dollars in property damage. In 2016, Marshall County saw 141 crashes with 3 minor injuries and $526,400 in property damage.

There are several tips drivers should be aware of to avoid crashes with animals:

  • Be especially alert at dusk and dawn, since these are the times of day deer are most active
  • Avoid distractions in the vehicle that reduce ability to see or react to animals near the roadway
  • If you see one deer, assume there are others nearby

There are a large number of crashes reported each year where drivers swerved to avoid an animal in the roadway. These crashes tend to be more severe and are more likely to result in injury. If drivers encounter an animal in the roadway, it is best to brake and continue traveling straight in your lane on the roadway. Hitting an animal in the roadway is often times better than the other possible outcomes. If a vehicle swerves and leaves the roadway, there is a likelihood of a rollover crash or striking fixed objects such as utility poles, embankments, bridges, or culverts.

If a driver is involved in a crash with a deer, move the vehicle off the traveled portion of the roadway if possible and turn on your emergency flashers and contact law enforcement. 

About Marshall County Sheriff's Office
The Marshall County, Iowa Sheriff's Office is led by Sheriff Steve Hoffman and is committed to keeping communities and neighborhoods safe in Marshall County.

For additional information or a sample copy, contact:
Sgt. Ben Veren
Marshall County Sheriff's Office
641-754-6380
Fax 641-754-6325
Sheriff@co.marshall.ia.us
www.marshallcountysheriff.com

More News

This webpage was printed on March 29, 2024. For the most current information, visit the Marshall County, Iowa, Sheriff website at marshallcountysheriff.com.
powered by Neapolitan Labs