Deer-involved collisions on the rise

Deer-involved collisions on the rise

. - MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) - Reports of deer related crashes are on the rise across the region.
October thru January is breeding season for deer, the time of year they're more likely to cause crashes. With all the construction happening in Myrtle Beach particularly, the deer are moving around.

In 2014, the South Carolina Department of Public Safety's preliminary numbers show 119 reported deer related crashes. So far in 2015 that number is already at 108, and those numbers only include state roads.

It's worth it for drivers to take extra time at dawn and dusk, when deer are commonly active, and drive slower.
Remember, don't swerve to avoid them. Law enforcement officials say drivers who serve have a greater risk of hurting themselves by swerving into another vehicle, a railing or a tree.

"{Deer} Actually do tremendous amount of damage on a car," explained Barry Abrams with C&G Auto and Truck. "If you hit them with the front end, it's... you're gonna get a bumper, you're gonna get a grill, you're gonna get part of the AC system. You're gonna get a radiator, cooling fan. Sometimes they'll go almost through the windshield, certainly a windshield. And if you get side damage where they actually run into the side of the car, it can almost total a car."

Deer crossing signs are in place on roadways in areas that see a higher concentration of deer. Where there's one, there's usually more nearby.

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