Tips for Avoiding Collisions with Deer when Driving

As deer season begins during the months from September to December, vehicle and deer collisions are common so drivers need to be aware and alert as they travel on the road.

1. Locate deer zones. While driving down your usual route everyday, try to spot areas where the deer usually cross. There have been a number of accidents where the deer crossed directly in front of a moving vehicle but more often than not, you will spot them jumping across the road a couple of meters ahead of you. When you spot them, try to remember the area so the next time you drive down the same road, you will slow down before you get to the location. Some of these locations have already been marked with roadside signs to warn motorists of deer activity in the area. If you are new to the area, you might want to visit the local police department and find out which parts of the road are known hot spots for deer accidents. Tell them which routes you will be traveling and they can give you information about the areas you need to be aware of.
   
2. Use extra headlights. The headlights on your vehicle may not be enough to illuminate further up or down the road. You can purchase extra lights for your car at an automotive supply store and install them on your front fender or on top of the roof. They act like search lights and will give you extra visibility as you travel through unlit roads. You will spot unusual activity on the road with better lights on your vehicle. Usually the light will catch their eyes and give off a shimmering reflection or catch a white patch on their body making it easy to spot them moving along the road.
   
3. Drive slowly and do not swerve. While driving on the road, if you find yourself approaching known hot spots, you might want to slow down and tread carefully along these areas. Traveling at slow speeds will help minimize fatal accidents and allow you to take necessary precautions when you see a deer running across the road. When you catch a deer in your headlights, the deer is usually immobile and tends to just stare at your vehicle. If you can't brake early enough limit swerving to avoid getting yourself in a more serious accident. There might be a ravine that you could fall into or run yourself into the side of the hill. If your speed on the road is slow enough, then braking will be more effective and avoid serious accidents as you encounter deer on the road.
   

Road safety is highly important during the height of deer activity. Extra precautions need to be taken to avoid collisions with deer on the road and decrease the gravity of injuries if a collision does occur.