JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
During fall, deer related activity increases as they seek food and enter their breeding season, or "rut".
With the high population of deer on Joint Base Andrews and the surrounding areas, motorists are encouraged to be aware of posted signs and on the lookout for deer in the distance.
"Deer can be encountered along the roadway at any time of the day, but the peak times are dusk and dawn," Tech. Sgt. Cody Sturgeon, 11th Wing Ground Safety NCO in-charge, said.
As a herd animal, deer travel in groups, meaning they all might not be visible when seen from the road.
According to Maryland.gov, "if a driver sees a deer standing near the road, they should slow down and sound the horn to scare the deer away."
Sturgeon stated that whistles, like those available at a local auto store, and other gimmicks should not be relied on as they have not been proven to work.
"If a deer happens to run in the road, don't swerve to avoid it," Sturgeon said. "Most accidents occur when the driver tries to avoid the animal."
If a driver is involved in an accident on base, they should contact the law enforcement desk at 301-981-2001.