Watch out for deer on Sisters roads

November is a dangerous month for deer and drivers on Sisters Country highways.

Oregon State Police (OSP), Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), and Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW) urge motorists to be on alert while traveling for more wildlife on or along our highways at this time of the year. Their warning comes in November, a month which both nationally and locally has the highest number of reported wildlife-related collisions.

According to statistics from ODOT's Crash Analysis & Reporting Section, wildlife-involved traffic collisions have been on the rise in Oregon. Last year, ODOT received reports of 1,283 such crashes, up from 1,199 reported in 2011, and approximately 30 percent higher than the number reported in 2007 (903 reported crashes). Officials believe the numbers are actually higher because most collisions involving wildlife result in property damage only to the involved vehicle and do not get reported to police or DMV.

ODOT statistics indicate since 2003 there have been more than 9,400 reported wildlife-involved collisions in Oregon, 30 of which resulted in a fatality. More than a third of the total reported crashes occurred September through November.

Last month, two Sisters residents were killed when they swerved to avoid a deer and slid into the path of an oncoming pickup truck.

The annual deer rut season typically lasts from late October to mid-to-late November, increasing deer activity and increasing the potential for deer to cross roads.

During the next few months there will be fewer daylight hours and visibility will be challenged by darkness and winter weather conditions.

Be attentive at all times, especially sunset to sunrise, for any potential hazard on or near the highway.

When driving in areas that have special signs indicating the possible presence of animals/wildlife, use extra caution because these signs are posted for a reason.

Be extra careful in areas where there is a lot of vegetation next to the road or while going around curves. Wildlife near the road may not be visible.

Remember that the presence of any type of animal/wildlife could also mean that others are nearby.

•â¯When you see an animal near or on the roadway, reduce your speed and try to stay in your lane. Many serious crashes are the result of drivers swerving to avoid wildlife or other obstacles and they crash into another vehicle or lose control of their own vehicle.

•â¯The same advice applies for smaller wildlife like nutria or raccoons: Try to stay in your lane and do not swerve for these animals. They are less dangerous to vehicles than big game animals; losing control of the vehicle is a larger concern.

Always wear your safety belt, even the slightest collision could result in serious injuries.