Increased Risk of Deer-Related Car Accidents in the Fall Season

It’s fall – the time when the weather turns cooler, the leaves turn colors, and we celebrate Halloween and Thanksgiving and the return of football.

Almost one-third of Americans say it’s their favorite time of year. … Unfortunately, it’s also the peak season for deer-related vehicle collisions. There are a lot of reasons for that, including the fact that it’s rutting season – the time when the animals venture out a bit more to mate. Of course, shorter daylight hours and increased darkness during commuting times play their part as well: the beautiful animals are harder to see, drivers have much less time to react, and autumn foliage does its part to camouflage them, making accidents even more likely, especially since deer are most active at dawn and dusk, the time when most people are on the road, commuting to and from work.

Deer-related accidents are serious business. Beyond the trauma of killing or harming an animal, they result in significant damage to your vehicle and account for many injuries and deaths. The tips below can help you avoid being one of the thousands involved in a deer-related accident each year.

1. Stay Alert in High-Risk Areas: Pay close attention to deer crossing signs, which are placed in areas with a high likelihood of deer activity. Be extra vigilant near wooded regions, open fields, and water sources.
2. Use High Beams When Appropriate: High beams improve your visibility at night, allowing you to spot deer sooner, but remember to use them cautiously — you don’t want to blind oncoming traffic.
3. Reduce Speed: Slowing down, especially in high-risk areas during dawn and dusk, increases reaction time if a deer appears.
4. Remember that there’s probably more than one: If you see a deer crossing the road, there’s a good chance that others are nearby. Always anticipate more animals following the first.
5. Avoid Swerving: If a collision seems unavoidable, brake firmly and stay in your lane. Swerving to avoid a deer can lead to loss of control, potentially causing a more severe accident.
6. Use Defensive Driving Techniques: Keep a safe following distance from the car ahead of you, as they may stop suddenly when deer appear.

Deer share our world, and sometimes that includes our roads. By staying vigilant and adapting your driving behavior, you can cut your risk of a deer-related collision.