Four people sent to hospital after vehicle hits deer

LAKEVILLE —  Four people were transported to area hospitals with non life-threatening injuries following a vehicle collision with a deer on Route 140 South late Monday night.

The Lakeville Fire Department responded to a report of a passenger vehicle that struck a deer just before 11 p.m. on Route 140 South, South of County Street. Lakeville and Freetown ambulances transported the four passengers to hospitals for further treatment. None were in life-threatening condition, according to the department.

The department said the impact caused significant damage to the vehicle. Further details on the passengers have not been released. The deer did not survive the collision.

The fire department cautions drivers to stay vigilant during deer mating season. Increased deer activity is typically seen from October to December, especially during the low-visibility hours of dawn and dusk.

Lakeville Fire Chief Michael O’Brien said vehicle collisions with deer are significant throughout the area, and are not unique to Lakeville.

“It's something that happens every year, and it's a difficult thing to safeguard against because you just don't know when these deer are out in the road,” O’Brien said. “The better you can see, the more you're paying attention. The slower you speed, the more likely you can avoid these collisions.”

Fire officials shared these safety tips for drivers.

• Slow down and stay alert, especially on rural and wooded roads.

• Use high beams when possible to better spot animals.

• If a deer crosses your path, brake firmly — do not swerve, as it can lead to more serious crashes.

• Remember, where there’s one deer, there are often more nearby.

The Lakeville and Freetown Fire Departments have a long-standing automatic-aid agreement that includes joint responses to emergencies on Route 140 between Exits 10 and 12.