Deer Avoidance Blamed for Fatal Rollover Accidents
Deer blamed for rollover accidents
By David Hotle
The JOURNAL
Published: Monday, November 22, 2010 3:10 PM CST
In the wake of three rollover accidents over the weekend, Washington County, Iowa, Sheriff Jerry Dunbar warned motorists to be alert for deer in the roadway during the annual rutting seasons.
Dunbar said today that many rollover accidents occur when a deer runs onto the roadway in front of a vehicle. He said the driver will attempt to swerve and will either go off the roadway or lose control, and the vehicle can roll over. He advises motorists to stay alert while driving, especially after dark, for deer in the roadway or on the side of the road.
“I know people are traveling now,” Dunbar said. “Deer are still a problem, they are still in rut. It’s still a big issue, especially during the holiday season. I think it will be especially bad this season.”
He said he had spoken with people after accidents and they said that they had seen deer prior to the accident.
According to a press release from the Washington County Communications Center, at about 7 a.m. Friday, a rollover accident was reported in the 1700 block of Underwood Avenue. The driver, Jesse Steven Hahn, 16, of Ainsworth, had reportedly been ejected from the vehicle. He was airlifted to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City. The accident is still under investigation.
At about 8:20 p.m. Friday, a vehicle was reported on its side in the 2700 block of Wayland Road, south of Washington. Emergency personnel responding located a 1990 Jeep Cherokee with damage. There were no injuries.
At about 12:40 a.m. Saturday, a truck reportedly rolled over near 320th Street and Louisa/Washington Road. Emergency personnel from the Crawfordsville Fire Department, Crawfordsville First Responders, Washington Rescue Squad, Washington County Ambulance and the Washington Sheriff’s Department responded. The operator was transported to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.
The press release didn’t include the names of the operators for the second two accidents.
