A Piedmont woman fortunately escaped injury after colliding with a deer Monday morning on County Road 71, just past the intersection with County Road 130.

According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency accident report the driver’s Ford Fiesta suffered damage after striking the deer at approximately 5:20am.

Many times hitting a deer is simply unavoidable – however studies have shown that several simple precautions can lessen your chances of coming in contact

• Slow down, especially at dusk and dawn.
• If you see one deer, be prepared for more deer to cross the road.
• Pay attention to deer crossing signs.
• Use your high beams to see farther, except when there is oncoming traffic.
• Brake if you can, but avoid swerving. This can result in a more severe crash.
• Remain focused on the road. Scan for hazards, including animals.
• Avoid distractions. Devices or eating might cause you to miss seeing an animal.

Alabama ranks as a “high-risk” state where drivers are more likely to strike a deer on state roadways. In one insurance study an estimated 1 in every 131 drivers in Alabama hit a deer between July 1st, 2016, and June 30th, 2017. 

Alabama was 23rd overall in a list of states where crashes involving deer occur.