How to Reduce the Chance of a Deer Collision
Humans aren’t the only ones looking for someone to hang out with when temperatures drop. Autumn is officially the mating season for deer, which makes them especially active at this time of the year. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for reindeer to wander (or run) along the road and oncoming traffic when they play in the field.
And despite their reputation for getting in the headlights, this is one of the safest interactions with them. In other situations, deer can cause serious accidents. Here are a few ways to help reduce your chances of getting hit.
How to Avoid a Deer
Even if you do everything right behind the wheel, deer are sneaky and fast, so there is always a chance that they will rush across the street at the last moment. That being said, knowing how and when to look for deer while driving can help you avoid a costly and potentially dangerous collision. Here are a few things to keep in mind :
Know their schedule
Reindeer are most active at dawn and dusk, especially between 18:00 and 21:00. Be particularly vigilant during these periods, using high beam headlights (when appropriate) to increase your visibility. But don’t let your guard down the rest of the time: deer go where they want, when they want.
They travel in groups
When you see one deer, expect others to follow. Even if someone has finished crossing the road, slow down and beware of their family and friends.
Don’t swerve
Although your first reaction may be to swerve, when you spot a deer in the road, you better slow down and honk. Rolling up can confuse the deer into running towards your car and increase the risk of colliding with another vehicle on the other side of the road.
Pay attention
Deer crossing signs exist for a reason: don’t ignore them, especially in wooded areas where deer are harder to see. In addition to keeping an eye on the road in front of you, scan both sides as you drive, looking out for the sparkle in the deer’s eyes.