Deer Involved Car Accidents Up in Jones County

GRAY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – As middle Georgians prepare to hit the road for the holidays they might run into a furry friend during their trip.

Car accidents involving deer are up in Jones County and the sheriff’s office wants to make sure you’re doing everything you can to make sure you safe.

When you’re driving down the road, it can happen in a flash, deer and other wild animals running into the street, totaling your car.

In the month of November, alone there were more than 50 accidents, more than 30 involved deer.

Captain James Clark with the sheriff’s office says he knows why there’s an increase in the accidents.

“Most of the deer that are getting hit right now are bucks and they are in pursuit of the does during mating season,” Clark said.

Clark says the best possible option is to drive as cautiously as possible.

“The safest thing is to not leave the road, keep your wheels straight apply your brakes and if you hit it, you hit it,” he said.

Clark added while cars speed down the highways and neighborhoods across the county, deer cross the road because they are out of their domain.

“In the woods, he’s as smart as I don’t know what, but on the road and this time of year, they just run into the side of cars and if it’s running into the side of a car there’s nothing you can do,” he said.