Press release

Bishop – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) would like to notify motorists that deer are out and about in the Eastern Sierra.

Due to the snowy conditions, deer are venturing out onto the roadways to escape from the snow. Motorists should watch for deer as they are commuting especially during the dawn and dusk times of the day.  Slow down and be vigilant!

Ways to Prevent a Collision with a Deer:

  1. Slow Down.  Motorists should take it slow especially with the low temperatures and icy conditions.
  2. Watch for the rest of the gang. Deer are pack animals, and rarely travel alone. If a deer crosses in front of you, chances are there are more nearby. Slow down and keep an eye out for more deer darting across the road.
  3. Timing is everything. Deer are most active at dusk and dawn: periods when your vision is most compromised. Slow down and stay alert, especially after dark.
  4. Wear your seatbelt. It may not prevent a collision, but if the inevitable happens a seatbelt can reduce injuries.
  1. Look. First, look for the road signs. The yellow diamond shaped signs with the deer on it are placed in high-traffic areas for deer. You may also spot a deer because their eyes will brightly reflect a car’s headlights, making them easier to spot.
  2. Stay Center. On a multi-lane road, the center lane is your safest bet for avoiding a deer collision, as long as your local traffic laws permit it. This gives deer plenty of space; and in case your vehicle does startle them, it gives you more time to react if one darts onto the road.
  3. Stay the course. If you see a deer, brake firmly and calmly, and stay in your lane. Swerving could make you lose control of your vehicle and turn a bad situation much worse. Not to mention, deer are unpredictable, and you could swerve directly into their changed path.
  4. Honk! Some experts recommend that one long blast of the horn will scare deer out of the road. Do not rely on hood whistles or other devices designed to scare off deer — studies have shown them to be largely ineffective at minimizing traffic incidents.

 What to do if you hit a deer.

  1. Pull to the side of the road as soon as it is safe to do so.
  2. Turn on your hazard lights and remain in the vehicle until you are sure it is safe.
  3. Call emergency services if injuries are involved or the local police for property damage.
  4. Stay away from the deer. If it is still alive, it could be confused, injured and dangerous if approached. When contacting the authorities, let them know if the deer is in a dangerous spot on the road so that it can be removed.

For more deer migration information visit the Caltrans District 9 webpage: http://www.dot.ca.gov/d9/deer.html

Backcountry avalanche danger

With the recent avalanche activity and impact it continues to have throughout the county, the Mono County Sheriff’s Office is asking that all backcountry skiers stay out of avalanche prone areas, particularly in the McGee Creek and Crowley Lake areas.

Such activity can trigger another slide, therefore endangering residents and motorists on the highway.

 


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