Name: Garrett Ancil Melnar
From: Brenham, TX
Votes: 0
Drivers ed in my small town was not a fun time for me. The
student driver car was a very small compact and I am a big guy at
6’4” and 250 pounds. I felt like I had to fold myself in half
before I could get in the car and getting out was another huge chore.
It wasn’t until I hit a deer on my way home that I understood why
drivers ed is so important.
My friend and I were driving home one evening around 6:00PM on a 2
lane very business highway and out of nowhere a deer ran across the
road. I did not even see it until I hit it square with the middle of
my truck. I knew from drivers ed not to swerve in the other
lane and to keep my cool. The deer kept on running even after being
hit, but to say the least my friend and I were stunned and pretty
shook up. I had never really given any thought to being in an
accident where an animal was involved until it happened to me.
The National Highway Safety Administration did a study about the
dangers from deer-related accidents and found that the number of
these accidents have been increasing over the years. Typically the
increase in accidents is because the deer populations are growing and
their natural habitats are being replaced by neighborhoods or
businesses. The study also found there are approximately 1.5 million
deer -related car accidents each year, 175-200 fatalities from these
accidents and 10,000 injuries.
Since I hit that deer I have become much more careful. I know deer
tend to travel more in the evening and are even more active when the
moon is out. Also deer normally travels in packs so when I see one
deer, I know there are probably more close by. Deer also tend to
travel more when they are in rut which is normally in the fall months
in the area in which I live. All of these things have made me more
aware and more attentive when I am driving, but I am even more
vigilant in the evening.
Here are a few things that can help other drivers avoid deer-related
car accidents. Don’t swerve in an attempt to avoid hitting a deer.
Swerving can result in running into oncoming traffic, hitting trees,
ditches or signs. Look for signs that tell you that deer cross in
that area and take heed. Be vigilant in knowing how deer travel. If
you are in an unfamiliar area where deer are especially active, make
sure you drive slow and keep your eyes open for signs of deer
approaching the roadways.
I didn’t realize just how important drivers’ education was to me
until I had this experience. My truck was dented, but I know it could
have been so much worse. This situation has made me a more
responsible and mature driver. I realize that driving is all about
paying attention and arriving safely to my destination.
