How to Avoid Deer Collisions

Fall, and hunting season, create a special dilemma for travelers. And, with the continuing encroachment of humanity on rural areas, the chances of an animal running into the path of your oncoming vehicle grow with each year. Taking some precautions may lessen your chances of collision, but common sense goes a long way, too. Here are some helpful hints:

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. · States like Pennsylvania and Michigan have very high incidences of deer encounters, yet many motorists discover too late that they are not covered for damages. Make sure you keep the comprehensive insurance intact on your vehicle if you live in high-risk areas, or know ahead of time how your policy reads.

2. · October, November, December and spring months carry special dangers for motorists when it comes to animal crossings. During those months, cater your travel to times when visibility is better, and crossings fewer. Avoid back roads, if possible.

3. · The most dangerous times are at dusk, or generally between 6 p.m. and 2 a.m., then again between 6 and 10 a.m. During rutting season or when being pursued by hunters, the animals can move at any time of day, however.

4. · Deer crossing signs are there for a reason: This is a reminder that a greater proliferation of deer cross in that area. Make sure you note them, and stay alert, awake and attentive at all times.

5. · Drive moderate speeds so stopping is less of a problem, and don’t tailgate. In case of a need to stop suddenly, only distance between vehicles will prevent involving others in a crash.

6. · Wear a seatbelt, and don’t drink or use alternative substances that can slow your perception or reaction time. Use bright lights when driving in more isolated areas to have greater distance viewing; adjust as oncoming traffic approach. Also, sometimes headlights or horns will repel deer, but not enough to be able to be counted on.

7. · The jury is still out on their effectiveness, but ultra-sonic deer whistles attached to the front of vehicles are said to reduce incidences of deer – or other – animals entering traffic. Available at automotive supply stores, they reportedly repel many types of animals by emitting differing levels of sounds, some silent to human ears.

8. · In the event you encounter an irreversible collision, experts say, ease on the brakes, and take the deer head-on, rather than swerve into oncoming traffic or other obstacles. Trees are immovable, and oncoming traffic multiplies damages and injuries.

9. · Call local police to not only make them aware of any accidents, but also alert them to remove any hazards left on the road. In some instances, state agencies may allow you to keep the deer by issuing you a permit. Don’t try to move the carcass yourself; the animal may not be dead and could seriously harm you with sharp hooves or teeth.

[Clem-Media]

on 7/3/2009 The eye glare is a good tip and vigilance through adjusted speed is always helpful. I can't speak for all states or communities, of course, but if a driver proceeds with a blowing horn, goes under the speed limit, and uses high-beams indiscriminantly, he is very apt to attract more than deer. He is apt to invoke a ticket in Michigan from the police--or at the very least, potentially cause a traffic issue or accident. I hope it continues to work for you, though.

[phdtobe]

on 7/1/2009 I've lived in an area with a high deer population for 30 years and have never ever hit one. I have learned the best way to avoid hitting them is to not only go the speed limit or below this, but to use high beams- look out for their reflecting eyes, and to honk the horn every few minutes in areas where you suspect wildlife(you may want to do this during the day as well-they're still about), they have amazing hearing and through the sound of the car horn, can track the direction and motion of your car from great distances. I noticed areas where I do not travel regularly doing this, I often see deer carcasses and other dead wildlife beside the road.

[Widespreadpanic]

on 10/14/2008 If you see one deer on the side of the road, chances are there is another one (or more) around. If one crosses the road in front of you, slow or, if you can do so safely, stop, until you are sure there are no more deer following.

[Clem-Media]

on 8/26/2008 So far, so good. They seem to be doing the trick.

[srhgompf]

on 8/18/2008 Informative article. My hubby and I just moved to Oregon and deer crossing the highways are a driving hazard. I'm so afraid I'll hit one. I want to get one of those ultra sonic deer whistles.