SAN ANTONIO — When she drives to her neighborhood park most early mornings, Diana Morales says she knows better than to be in a hurry. Especially at this time of year.
The white-tailed deer, she says, are love-crazed.
"We have to go below the speed limit because the deer are in heat and they're running after each other, " Morales said, adding the posted speed limit is just too fast.
"Not like 30 mph, but maybe 5 or 10," she warned. "We just have to go really slow."
Morales said her Timberwood Park neighborhood is home to lots of deer and lots of people who love them.
"All the people here, they love to feed the deer! It's a beautiful neighborhood and watching the deer is a beautiful thing too."
While they are beautiful, they can be dangerous during the fall season, when deer are mating.
The City of San Antonio's Vision Zero program is reminding everyone to be extra cautious on roadways, no matter how they travel. Sean Beauvais, with Vision Zero, said everyone can be at risk.
"This time of year, distracted deer and distracted driving are a horrible combination," Beauvais said, but he added it's not just people behind the wheel who have to be alert.
"Pedestrians are equally as vulnerable, especially in the morning and evening time. If you go out to walk your dog, bring a stick because bucks can be very aggressive at this time of year," Beauvais said.
He said people on two wheels need to be cautious as well.
"Especially bicycles and motorcycles, because you don't have a car around you to protect you," Beauvais said.
The odds, he said, demand a thoughtful approach.
"We are in the season where you are two times more likely to get in a collision with a deer than the rest of the year," Beauvais said.
Local statistics have improved over time, but Beauvais said in 2018 the city ranked first in a category nobody wants to win.
"San Antonio was actually the nation's leader in vehicle collisions with wild animals," Beauvais said.
The increased risk continues through December, he said, because the deer will continue to be less cautious when crossing roads.
To minimize the risk of striking a deer, Vision Zero SA offers the following safety tips:
- Be Alert: Stay vigilant, particularly during dawn and dusk when deer are most active. Use your high beams when possible to increase visibility.
- Reduce Speed: Slow down, especially in areas with known deer populations. Reducing your speed will give you more time to react if a deer suddenly crosses the road.
- Stay in Your Lane: If you see a deer on the road, don't swerve to avoid it. Swerving can lead to more dangerous accidents. Apply the brakes steadily and honk your horn to scare the deer away.
- Watch for Others: Deer are often found in groups. If you see one deer, expect more to follow.
- Use Deer Whistles: Consider using deer whistles on your vehicle. These small devices emit a sound that can alert deer to your presence.
- Stay Informed: Pay attention to road signs and warnings, especially in areas with high deer populations. Some areas may have designated wildlife crossings.
To learn more about the effort to reduce traffic-related deaths and injuries, click here.