As we draw closer to winter weather and crops continue to be removed from our local farms, Guthrie County Sheriff Marty Arganbright says drivers along the Interstate and county roads should begin to exercise more caution as they travel.

Arganbright says we have entered the peak of the rut season, and his department is starting to report to car versus deer accidents multiple times per week.  With his main focus always being to keep the residents of Guthrie County as safe as possible, here is Arganbright with some advice for local travelers.

“Like always, speed is the number one factor and go slower where there are known deer crossing signs, but that can also be anywhere this time of the year with the harvest going on.  As we’ve said it is the deer rut season and there are a lot of deer out there.  In fact, one of my deputies covered three car/deer accidents in one night within two hours, so they’re out there.”

According to numbers obtained from Iowa DOT officials, there were 14 car versus deer accidents in Guthrie County during the October to December months of 2012.  Those three months are when the “spike” in such accidents is typically seen, and Arganbright anticipates his department is on pace to assist in at least that many accidents over the same stretch this year.

Arganbright reminds local residents to abide by the “don’t veer for a deer” mantra.  He says veering will only make a car versus deer accident worse for the passengers involved as it makes rollovers a possibility.