Deer Discovers New Way to Die by Car: Jumping Off an Overpass

Deer really only love one thing; getting smashed up by cars. They’ll go to almost any length to get run over, obliterated, maimed etc. As long as it’s a fast moving car striking their body, preferably fatally, they’re enthusiastically onboard. Which is why it’s not shocking to hear that a doe in New Jersey recently…

Deer are known for their unpredictable behavior and their tendency to dart across roads without warning. This often leads to dangerous encounters with vehicles, resulting in thousands of accidents and injuries each year. However, a recent incident in New Jersey has taken the danger to a whole new level.

The Unbelievable Incident

In a bizarre turn of events, a doe in New Jersey discovered a new way to meet its demise – by jumping off an overpass onto a busy highway. The incident occurred on a foggy morning when the deer leaped from the Route 80 overpass onto Route 23 below.

The impact of the fall caused significant damage to the deer and posed a serious risk to motorists on the highway. The New Jersey State Police were called to the scene to handle the situation and ensure the safety of drivers.

The Dangers of Deer Collisions

Deer collisions are a common occurrence, especially in areas with high deer populations. These accidents can have severe consequences for both drivers and the animals involved.

For drivers, hitting a deer can result in significant damage to their vehicles and potential injuries. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, there were an estimated 1.5 million deer-vehicle collisions in the United States in 2019, resulting in over $1 billion in vehicle damage.

Additionally, deer collisions can be fatal. In 2019, there were 167 deaths reported as a result of deer-vehicle collisions. These accidents often occur at high speeds and can be particularly dangerous for motorcyclists and cyclists.

As for the deer, colliding with a car can cause severe injuries or even death. The impact of a vehicle can fracture their bones, rupture internal organs, and lead to fatal injuries. In some cases, injured deer may suffer for hours or even days before succumbing to their injuries.

Preventing Deer Collisions

While it may be impossible to completely eliminate the risk of deer collisions, there are steps drivers can take to reduce their chances of encountering these unpredictable animals on the road.

1. Be Vigilant

Always be on the lookout for deer, especially during dawn and dusk when they are most active. Scan the sides of the road and use your peripheral vision to spot any movement.

2. Slow Down

Reduce your speed when driving through areas known for high deer populations or where deer crossing signs are posted. This will give you more time to react if a deer suddenly appears in your path.

3. Use Your High Beams

When driving at night, use your high beams whenever possible. This will increase your visibility and make it easier to spot deer on or near the road.

4. Don’t Swerve

If a deer suddenly runs in front of your vehicle, resist the urge to swerve. Instead, apply your brakes firmly and try to stop or slow down as much as possible. Swerving can cause you to lose control of your vehicle and potentially result in a more serious accident.

5. Honk Your Horn

If you spot a deer on or near the road, honk your horn to scare it away. Deer are easily startled by loud noises and may move out of your path if they hear your horn.

6. Stay Alert in Groups

If you see one deer, there’s a good chance there are more nearby. Deer often travel in groups, so be extra cautious if you spot one crossing the road.

Conclusion

The recent incident in New Jersey serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by deer collisions. While it may seem like deer have a death wish when it comes to cars, drivers can take steps to minimize the risk of encountering these unpredictable animals on the road. By staying vigilant, reducing speed, and following other safety precautions, drivers can help protect themselves and the deer population from the devastating consequences of collisions.

Source: https://jalopnik.com/deer-discovers-new-way-to-die-by-car-jumping-off-an-ov-1850886683