Deer Derby: Why Pennsylvania Has More Bambi Bumper Bowling Than You Think
Ah, Pennsylvania. Land of liberty bells, cheesesteaks, and...apparently, the national champion of car-deer collisions? You read that right, folks. Pennsylvania holds the dubious honor of having more deer-on-headlight action than any other state in the lower 48.
How Many Deer Are Killed By Cars In Pennsylvania |
But Seriously, How Many Deer Are We Talking About Here?
A lot. We're not talking a friendly game of bumper tag, more like a full-on demolition derby. In 2021 alone, there were over 5,700 deer-vehicle collisions in the state. That's enough deer-shaped dents to make a junkyard jealous.
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Why So Many Crashes? Blaming Bambi Ain't Enough!
There are a few reasons why Pennsylvania is a deer-car collision hotspot. First, the state has a large and healthy deer population. Thanks, plentiful forests! Unfortunately, that also means more opportunities for a four-legged friend to meet a four-wheeled foe.
Tip: Slow down when you hit important details.
Second, Pennsylvania has a lot of rural roads. While scenic for a Sunday drive, these roads often lack things like fences and dividers, making them a deer superhighway to munch on tasty roadside snacks (which, sadly, don't include your car).
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Don't Be a Deer Derby Statistic: How to Avoid a Bumpy Ride
Look, nobody wants Bambi bursting through their windshield. Here are some tips to keep your car (and your sanity) intact:
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- Be extra vigilant at dawn and dusk. Deer are most active during these times, so put down the phone and focus on the road.
- Use your high beams when possible. They can help you spot deer eyes way ahead of time.
- Don't swerve! Slamming on the brakes might be better than risking a head-on collision with another car.
- If you see one deer, there might be more. Deer often travel in herds, so be prepared to hit the brakes if needed.
Bonus Tip: If you do hit a deer, pull over to a safe location and call the police. Don't approach the animal, it might be injured and scared.
FAQ: How to Survive Pennsylvania's Deer Derby?
- How to tell if a deer is nearby? Watch for signs like tracks, scat (deer poop!), and those creepy glowing eyes reflecting your high beams.
- How to avoid a deer if it's in the road? Brake firmly but don't swerve! You don't want to end up in oncoming traffic.
- How to deal with a deer carcass on the road? Don't touch it! Call the police and let them handle it.
- How to repair deer damage to your car? That's a job for a professional body shop. Sorry, your duct tape skills probably won't cut it this time.
- How to avoid emotional distress after a deer accident? Maybe channel it into a hilarious story for your friends (but seriously, if you're shaken up, talking to a therapist can help).
So there you have it, folks. Pennsylvania's deer population may be thriving, but that doesn't mean you have to become a statistic. Drive safe, be alert, and remember – sometimes, the only thing worse than hitting a deer is accidentally joining a herd of tourists with bad fanny packs.