Deer season opened at the end of November. Tennessee has a lot of beautiful countryside where outdoorsmen can take some time to get out and hunt deer. It’s a blessing to this state. However, the increased deer activity of this season also brings them closer to roads and people. Inevitably there are accidents involving deer even on major interstates. It seems everyone has a story of their own or from someone they know involving a wreck with a deer. But the question is what to do if you’re hit by a deer? Channel Five News of Nashville ran a report recently that outlined this dilemma and offered some tips.

In 2007, there were 5,104 deer-related crashes, including 257 that involved injuries and one that was fatal; in 2006, it was 5,839. Since 2003, deer-related crashes in Tennessee have risen almost 17 percent.

There were 578 deer versus car crashes in October 2007 and 870 in November. Deer-hunting season begins in November, which is the worst month for deer-related crashes.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol also warns motorists not to overcorrect to avoid a deer because that could lead to serious accidents.

“It’s amazing even at 40, 50 miles per hour what a 200-pound deer can do to a car,” said Lt. Tony Barham, adding that striking the animal can total one’s vehicle.