'Don't veer for deer": Seven car vs. deer crashes in Eastern Iowa has law enforcement issuing a reminder

(KWQC)
Published: Nov. 13, 2018 at 10:25 PM CST
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Law enforcement across Eastern Iowa are warning of the dangers of deer as we enter the hunting and rut season.

According to a new report, Iowa ranks fifth in the nation for car vs. deer crash and in the last 24 hours, there have been seven car vs. deer collisions in two Eastern Iowa counties.

“I just held on as tight as I could and tensed up real quick,” Central Iowa Fred Breitsprecker said after hitting a deer. "I heard hit it, so I basically just hit it head on."

The man said he hit a deer on his drive to work last week. State Farm Insurance just released a report saying he is not alone. One in 73 Iowa drivers reported a collision with a deer over the last year.

“We are definitely seeing a big increase in deer hits at this time,” Joe Arnold, who owns Arnold’s Body Shop in Davenport said.

The Iowa State Patrol said that over the last few weeks, two of its patrol cars have been in collisions with deer. Both of them were caught on the car’s dash cam.

"Why when I am crossing the road, does a deer pop out right there?” Sgt. Nathan Ludwig with the state patrol asked.

Sgt. Ludwig said it is important to always hit a deer and to never veer. He said it could save your life. He also encourages drivers to watch your speed.

"The faster you're going, you're reaction times goes down and your braking and stopping distance goes up,” Ludwig said.

State Farm said there are about 30,000 car vs. deer crashes in Iowa every year. October and November are the months with the most.

Illinois ranks 31st in the nation in car vs. deer crashes.