As daylight saving time ends on November 2, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is urging drivers to be more cautious during their commutes. The change means that many will travel home in the dark, coinciding with deer mating season—a period historically linked to a rise in vehicle-deer collisions across Virginia.
VDOT notes that November typically sees the highest number of such crashes. Deer activity increases from mid-October through November as they seek food along roadsides and cross highways, especially at dawn and dusk.
Drivers are advised to be particularly alert near forested areas, streams, and places marked with deer crossing signs, which have been identified as high-traffic zones for wildlife.
Nighttime driving poses additional risks due to limited visibility—normal headlights only illuminate about 250 feet ahead. VDOT recommends ensuring headlights are functional, windshields are clean, and dashboard lights are dimmed to improve safety.
Elk present another hazard in Southwest Virginia. Mature male elk can weigh up to 750 pounds and are known to roam near Corridor Q: Route 460/121 and Route 744 (Southern Gap Road) in Buchanan County. These animals tend to move slowly in large herds and may not avoid vehicles even when nearby.
VDOT offers several tips for avoiding animal-related accidents:
“While the urge to swerve is instinctual, do not veer for deer. Swerving aggressively could cause you to lose control of your vehicle and increase the severity of a crash. If a deer jumps in front of you, gradually brake to avoid hitting the animal.
Prepare for the unexpected. Deer may stop in the middle of the road or double back.
If you see one deer, slow down because they usually travel in groups so there’s likely to be others nearby.
Check the shoulders of a road or highway and use your high beam headlights when able. Deer tend to stand on the sides of the road and then suddenly move into the road. Slow down and hit your horn to scare the deer, as they dart and run in either direction.
If you hit a deer, pull off to the shoulder and turn on your hazard lights. Do not exit your vehicle and search for the deer, because it could hurt you.”
For those traveling through Virginia’s Elk Management Zone—particularly along Corridor Q: Route 460/121 and Southern Gap Road—VDOT warns:
“Elk travel in large herds, are more lethargic in their movements (more similar to cattle) and have huge body sizes. Average mature males weight 750 lbs., while females are around 500 lbs.
Also, unlike deer, elk are less likely to jump in front of vehicles. However, when they are present on the side of a road, they are less likely to move. Never assume an elk (or any animal) will avoid you.”
With shorter days ahead and increased wildlife movement on roads statewide, VDOT emphasizes caution during evening commutes this fall.
