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The phrase "a deer in the headlights" is no laughing matter for drivers who have hit one.

Fairfax County officials say the county has an estimated 250,000 deer, and more than 48,000 Virginia drivers are projected to file insurance claims this year for damage sustained as a result of a deer-vehicle collision.

"Studies show that nearly one in every 136 Virginia drivers will have an accident involving deer in the next 12 months," said Fairfax County Wildlife Biologist Victoria Monroe, citing data from the Virginia Department of Transportation and State Farm insurance company.

Virginia is projected to rank fifth out of 50 states in 2009 for all deer-related automobile accident claims filed nationwide, and 45 percent of Virginia claims are expected to be recorded by the end of this month, Monroe said. "[Deer breeding] season began in early September and lasts until late March," she said, adding that "October and November are especially precarious for drivers."

Melanie Stokes of VDOT said there were 218 deer-related car accidents recorded in Fairfax County in 2007 and 179 in 2008. While none of those was listed as fatal, there were three fatal accidents recorded annually statewide in both 2007 and in 2008.

"The average cost of a deer-related accident, including medical costs, is $3,000, according to the Insurance Information Institute," said John Townsend of AAA Mid-Atlantic. "That means if you multiply that by the projected 48,000 claims, Virginia will account for $14.4 million in deer-related accident costs this year. Nationwide, the cost is estimated to top $4.6 billion in 2009."

"Collision with a deer or any other animal is covered under your comprehensive auto insurance and will not raise your rates," said Katie Walthall of Griffin-Owens and Associates, an insurance firm in Herndon. "We see a ton of them each year."

Monroe said the 250,000 deer estimate within the county is "extremely difficult to estimate, since the last actual deer census survey was done back in 2004." She plans to start a new one in January.

Meanwhile, she is spearheading several deer-management activities countywide.

On Oct. 28, police sharpshooters held a managed hunt at the 20-acre Greenspring Gardens in Alexandria to thin out the herd. "We took out two large bucks," Monroe said. "A large buck can sire up to 30 does, so that is more significant than it sounds." A total of 59 deer were "taken out" in 2008, she explained.

Other upcoming events include managed public hunts Dec. 3 and Dec. 16 at Meadowood Farm in Lorton and Riverbend Park in Great Falls, respectively. Hunters were chosen through a lottery system. "The parks will be closed off to the general public on those days," she said.

Monroe is also trying to establish a bow-hunting event for those proficient at using bow and arrow, but says she has already received some flak from animal-rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

"They showed us a blown-up photo of a beautiful doe with an arrow through her face," Monroe said. "I told them that no one who would do that has any place in one of our managed events. We don't want those sorts of people. "

Monroe says she expects the population management events will help, but says drivers still need to be vigilant and aware, especially this time of year. She says four "hot spots" within the county are particularly dangerous: the 5000 block of Pleasant Valley Drive in Chantilly; the intersection of Braddock Road and Fairfax County Parkway in Burke; the 7000 block of Ox Road in Fairfax; and the intersection of Sully Road and Westfields Blvd. in Chantilly. "We have flashing variable sign boards at these locations," she said. "But motorists throughout the county should always be watching for eye shine along roadsides and immediately begin to slow down if they spot a deer, since they tend to travel in packs."

Driving tips

Watch for eye shine along roadsides. Immediately begin to slow vehicle if you spot a deer.

If deer is standing on the road, reduce speed and flash your headlights. Deer can become mesmerized or blinded by bright steady lights.

Never swerve to avoid deer on the road. Swerving can cause loss of control of your vehicle and greatly increase chance of more serious damage or injury.

Take foot off brake at time of impact. This action reduces the likelihood of deer crashing through a windshield or windows upon impact.

If a deer is injured or killed, immediately report collision to Fairfax County Police Department (non-emergency) at 703-691-2131.

For more information on deer management issues in Fairfax County, contact Victoria Monroe, wildlife biologist, at 703-324-0240

Source: Fairfax County Police