Lots of readers have stories to tell about run-ins with deer, and near-misses (see today's Road Worrier column, with reader comments).
Deer can be especially dangerous if you're riding on only two wheels.
Ned Kennington of Durham was riding his bicycle on U.S. 70 near Duke Forest in August 2008 when a gorgeous buck flashed across the road in front of him. Unfortunately, the buck was not traveling alone:
As I turned my head to the right to try to catch a glimpse of him as he disappeared into the woods, a tremendous force stuck my shoulder from the left side where the buck had come from. The impact from the second, previously unseen deer threw me off the bike to my right and swung my head back to the left where I rubbed noses with the doe before flying across a lane of traffic to end up sprawled across the highway.
He still carries scars from the crash.
Vincent Doran of Zebulon was driving his Trumph motorcycle on Mitchell Mill Road in September 2008 when a deer crashed into him:
His head hit me square on my left calf, and then he bounced off me. The bike jumped sideways about 6 inches to the right( I was traveling about 50 mph), but I was able to stay upright on the bike. The impact took the left rear turn signal off, and left a large bruise on my calf. Needless to say, I consider myself extremely fortunate.
A couple of readers said they suspect North Carolina's official deer-crash count (19,693 in 2008) is too low. They're probably right -- this is the number of deer run-ins reported to troopers and police. Not everybody bothers to dial 911.
State Farm Insurance estimates a much higher figure for North Carolina: 42,126 deer crashes expected this year.
Meanwhile, here are deer safety tips for drivers, from UNC Highway Safety Research Center.
Bruce Siceloff reports on traffic and transportation. A News & Observer reporter and editor since 1976, he took over the 
