SALINAS, Calif.- It's not just the rain on the roads we have to worry about this week. If you've ever encountered a deer while driving, it can be a pretty scary experience and it can cause some serious damage.
That hit a little close to home for Central Coast News on Wednesday morning. One of our co-workers hit a deer during a run to get some breaking news. In fact, we heard four calls on the police scanners for accidents involving deer.
CHP Officer Bob Lehman said between September and November, they get a lot of calls for accidents involving these beautiful creatures because it's mating season.
"This time a year we're probably doing one or two a week at least," Ofc. Lehman said.
That's because the Department of Fish and Game said bucks are busy chasing down females and when their mind is set on one goal, they tend to freak out when a car comes close. So we decided to ride along with Ofc. Lehman to find out what's the best thing you can do behind the wheel. He said if you're driving down the road and you see a deer, you should slow down by hitting the breaks.
Ofc. Lehman said hitting the deer is better than swerving off the side of the road and hitting something else. He said you need to be extra careful at night and where the fog is dense.
"North county, Carmel, and anywhere along the coast, those are where you need to be particularly alert," Ofc. Lehman said.
These accidents involving deer can be deadly, which is why CHP wants you to take the warning seriously.
"Stay in your lane, most likely you will strike that animal and it will do damage to your car," Ofc. Lehman said.
The most likely time you will encounter a deer crossing the road is at dusk. CHP said if you do hit one just leave it and call for help.
