Deer Collisions

Our national forests are a refuge for wild animals, including dangerous animals like bears and venomous snakes. Wild animals can be upset by human presence and can unexpectedly become aggressive. Do not give them a reason or an opportunity to attack. Always keep your distance. Your safety is your responsibility.

The largest number of deer collisions take place in October, November and December. The three months see a huge increase in deer activity because it their breeding season.

Defensive Driving Tips to Avoid Hitting a Deer

• Keep a close watch for deer at dawn and dusk. Deer are most active during these times.
• Be especially alert and drive with caution. Be on the lookout for deer crossing signs and slow down.
• Be aware of your surroundings, just because you don’t see a deer crossing sign posted, it doesn’t mean deer won’t unexpectedly appear.
• Flash your lights or honk your horn to frighten deer away from the side of the road.
• When you encounter deer along the roadside, turn on your emergency lights to let other motorists know about the potential danger.
• Use your high-beam headlights when there is no opposing traffic. The headlight beam will illuminate the eyes of deer and provide greater driver reaction time.
• Upon seeing a deer, immediately slow down. Do not swerve - because this can confuse deer as to where to run. It could also cause you to lose control and hit a tree or another car.
• If you can’t avoid the accident, then just hit the deer while maintaining control of your vehicle. Some experts say that if such a collision is inevitable, you should avoid braking at impact so that the deer may pass underneath your car as opposed to hitting the windshield.
• Look for other deer after one has crossed the road. Deer commonly travel in groups, so the probability is high that other deer will be in front of or behind the one you’ve seen.
• Don’t rely on hood-mounted deer whistles and other devices to scare away deer.
• Always wear your seatbelt. Most people injured and/or killed in deer - automobile collisions were not wearing their seat belt.
• Finally, remember to ... SLOW DOWN FOR WILDLIFE!

What to do when you strike a deer

If you are unable to avoid a collision with a deer, take the following steps:

• Do not touch the animal! The deer, in attempting to move or get away, could hurt you or itself.
• Remove your automobile from the roadway, if possible.
• Call the police.