Driving Smart: Avoid Deer- Vehicle Collisions this fall

Between July 2019 and June 2020 there were 1.5 million deer and vehicle collisions. As the deer population continues to grow and new developments keep being built on areas where woods used to be there are increasing number of deer making their way into residential areas. Deer-vehicle collisions are dangerous and costly and while they are usually covered under your insurance it’s best to avoid them whenever possible. Here are some defensive driving tips to keep in mind:

1. Highest risk times of day are between sunset and midnight and at dusk and dawn. Deer are more active during mating season which runs October-January which makes this time of year especially dangerous.
2. Deer travel in groups so keep your eyes out for deer and if you see one know that there is a good chance there are more close by.
3. If you are driving on a multi lane road and it is safe to do so drive in the center lane. This allows you the most time to see the deer before they enter your lane.
4. If you see a deer hit your brakes but avoid swerving into other lanes of traffic. Swerving can result in a bigger accident where you could lose control or hit another vehicle.
5. Wear your seatbelt. Most people injured in car-deer crashes were not wearing their seatbelt.
6. Use your high beams when you are driving at night if there is no oncoming traffic. The higher lights will better illuminate the eyes of deer on or near the roadway.