Deer-gazing causes two accidents
By:David Learn
Deer-gazing was blamed for two separate accidents this week, both in the same area.
No one was injured in either accident. Both occurred on Hillsborough Road, in the Belle Mead portion of the township.
In the first accident, which happened about 7:20 p.m. Aug. 11.
Jeanette Orenga, 62, of 2 Miller Farm Road, Somerset, told police she slowed her vehicle when she saw the deer. Behind her, Eric R. Abcett, 18, of 21 Steeple Drive, Belle Mead, allegedly did not see her slowing, and rear-ended her. Mr. Abcett was charged with careless driving.
The second accident also occurred on Hillsborough Road, around 10:30 p.m. Aug. 14.
Nadine L. Belnay told police she was driving east on Hillsborough Road and slowed to avoid hitting deer. The driver behind her, identified as Karl F. Furtsch, 48, of 6 Shannon Court, Somerset, allegedly was watching the deer and did not see Ms. Belnay slow.
He rear-ended her car near Tally Ho Trail and he also was charged with careless driving.
Police Capt. Robert Roscoe said there was nothing unusual in the relatively close proximity of the two accidents.
"The deer throughout the year do come out at different hours," he said. "This coming season, the fall season, is when you’ll see them more."
Deer were involved in 93 motor vehicle accidents in 1999, according to police records. In 1998, they were involved in 119.