If “Deer Dodgin’” ever becomes an Olympic sport, you can bet they’ll be sending athletes to Georgia in droves because THIS is the place to train!

It’s not that we have MORE deer, it just seems as though our deer all suffer from a complete and total lack of judgment.

Chattooga County has had several more reports of deer/vehicle collisions taking place over the past few days.  One complainant told law enforcement he was traveling southbound on Highway 100 near Wildlife Lake Road when he hit a deer that ran out in front of his vehicle.

The man’s Dodge Ram fortunately sustained only minor damage to the front bumper and to the radiator.  That accident occurred March 22nd.

A deputy was dispatched to the parking lot of Complete Cash, in reference to a vehicle that was struck by a deer.  The driver said that she was traveling south on Highway 27 in the far right lane when a deer came running across the road from the opposite direction and even though she slammed on the brakes they still collided with the animal; the male occupant of stated that there was simply no way they could avoid hitting the deer. 

Fortunately, neither occupant was injured; their Oldsmobile Cutlass suffered damage to the hood, grill and fan.  That wreck was on March 23rd, just before 11:00pm.

On March 24th the driver of a 2011 Subaru Outback struck a deer on the Back Penn Road in Summerville, causing minor damage to the passenger side front bumper and fog lamp.  The driver was unhurt.  The accident occurred just before 7:30 that morning.

It’s impossible in some cases to avoid hitting or being hit by a deer; however you can lessen your chances by driving defensively, especially at dusk and during the early morning hours; drive with your high beams on, this makes it easier to see the reflection of an animal’s eyes; remember, deer are “pack” animals – if you see one, more are sure to follow; if you see deer by the side of the road, one long blast on the horn will usually clear the way; and most of all don’t forget to wear your seat belt.