Multiple deer attacks across the state over the past few weeks have left officials offering some warnings and advice to drivers during a busy deer season.
“A deer legitimately jumped over the guardrail and ran into my car in the slow lane,” said Alex Noonan, one of the victims of a deer accident along I-84 East.
His accident occurred just before exit 68 in what is locally known as the “Tolland Triangle.”
“I hit the deer head on, my hood went all the way up obstructing my view, I still had a little bit of vision under the hood,” Noonan said.
Noonan is a former law enforcement officer and is considered a strong and safe driver. He knew that he should not swerve and create a major incident with other drivers and instead stay steady and cut through the deer.
He was fine, apart from a burn on his forearm and bruises.
Along a short stretch of I-84 and I-384, theirs was one of six deer-related crashes since May 27, according to state police.
“It’s a regular occurrence, any day, any day you’ll see an incident that we’ll see we’re responding to about a vehicle hitting an animal,” said Sgt. Luke Davis of the Connecticut State Police.
Sergeant. Davis said in the last week they have received 80 animal strike calls across the state. Due to Connecticut’s dense forests, deer attacks are common. DEEP reports approximately 6,000 to 7,000 a year.
“It is very difficult to avoid, however, we encourage everyone to drive safely and anticipate the unexpected,” said Sgt. Davis said.
He said it’s critical for drivers to pay attention, put down cell phones and distractions and slow down.
“You never know when an animal may appear in the middle of the road, it’s not just deer, there are other wild animals that come out in the middle of the road,” said Sergeant Davis.
DEEP offers a similar message.
“Damage to the hood and even the corner of the other hood because of the way the car was impacted,” described Andrew LaBonte, DEEP wildlife biologist.
He was showing us $4,600 worth of damage to his wife’s car, which he sustained during a low-speed collision with a deer last week. She was fine, she said.
“Deer are typically active during the dusk and dawn period, which unfortunately coincides with when people are going to and from work,” LaBonte said.
LaBonte said he hears about these accidents all the time. He said they end up peaking in the spring and fall. In spring because the deer are having fawns and in autumn because of the mating season.
“Pay attention to driving habits, respect speed limits, hang up the phone, do not use it during that period and be aware of driving during this time of year,” LaBonte recommended.
Noonan was simply glad that he and the drivers around him were okay; He would recommend avoiding a deer if you can safely do so, but if not, stick with it.
“Deer decide to cross wherever they want, so I would say first and foremost, make sure everyone is safe,” Noonan said.
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