Deer bounding onto roads in Washington County caused ten accidents in five days, according to reports from the Washington County Sheriff’s Department.

Damage in all but two cases was estimated at more than $l,000 to the vehicles. However, other than the deer, there were no injuries.

As a result in one of the accidents, on Highway 218 southbound near Ainsworth, the vehicle was no longer driveable.

Except for one accident, all of the motor vehicle-deer encounters took place on major roadways such as U S 218, state Highways 1, 22 or 92, and in every case the vehicles sustained damage. In more than the vehicles had to be towed from the scene. Two incidents reported that striking deer resulted in the car’s airbag being deployed.

Police advised drivers to take more than usual care in areas that are posted with signs of deer crossing. All of the recent incidents have occurred in areas near wooded regions.

Both in Washington County and throughout eastern Iowa, problems with deer are increasing, noted authorities.

Police reports show that motorists hitting deer on highways is reaching an average of five per week in this county. There are corresponding figures for Johnson County.