Although deer-vehicle collisions are a year-round issue, spring and fall are peak times for deer-related accidents. October through December is prime deer mating season, so drivers should be more alert throughout these months.
Tips to Avoid Collisions
Drive with caution
Drive with caution especially in marked deer-crossing zones and along roads surrounded by farmland or forests. Locally, it is not uncommon to see deer in your local neighborhood, so be alert wherever you are.
Know high travel times
Deer tend to be particularly active dawn to dusk, but most active between 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. These are the highest risk times for deer-vehicle collisions.
Use high beams
Make sure to use your high beams when possible for nighttime driving. With high beams it will better illuminate the deer’s eyes on or near the roadway.
Assume there is more than on
Deer tend to travel in herds and in a single file. If you see one deer, there are likely more to follow.
What to do if you encounter a Deer
If you determine a crash is unavoidable, keep these in mind:
Don’t swerve
Stay in your lane so you don’t move into the path of another vehicle or lose control of yours.
Brake
Be sure to brake firmly and hold onto the steering wheel.
Remain calm.
Bring your vehicle to a controlled stop and take the appropriate necessary actions. Call the police and connect with your insurance company to report the accident. Collision with a deer or another animal is typically covered under the comprehensive portion of your vehicle insurance.
