Deer Season Driving Tips

HOW DO I PREVENT A DEER-RELATED ACCIDENT?

If you are aware, alert and prepared, you have a better chance of avoiding greater damage when experiencing a deer encounter. Here are tips that can help you be better prepared:

1. Play the “what if” game: As a driver, prepare yourself in the event a collision happens. “What if a deer crosses in front of my car?” “What will I do?”
2. Be more alert during sunset and sunrise: Between 5:00 am and 8:00 am and 5:00 pm to midnight are when deer are most active. It is important to keep your headlights on and stay alert during these times.
3. Wear your seatbelt: According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 60 percent of those involved in animal-related crashes died because they were not wearing seatbelts¹.
4. Look for more than one: Deer don’t usually travel alone, so make sure to scan for others that may be nearby.
5. Know where they will be: Look for Deer Crossing Signs and be more alert on rural roads and in wooded areas. If you use your high beams, you will be able to better see approaching deer.
6. Don’t approach the deer: If you happen to hit a deer or find one that is injured, don’t move towards it. A frightened deer may flail or injure you or itself further.
7. Use your brakes: Slow down or stop, but don’t swerve into another lane. It is more dangerous to avoid the deer and hit another car.