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According to the National Highway Safety Administration, deer collisions are most likely to occur during deer breeding season – from October through early January, at dawn and from dusk to late evening.
A recent survey by the administration found that more deer-related accidents were occurring due to increasing deer populations and as neighborhoods and other building take over their natural destruction habitats.
The study found:
- 1.5 million deer-related car accidents occur each year.
- The accidents result in more than $1 billion dollars in vehicle damage.
- On average, there are 175-200 fatalities every year and 10,000 injuries.
The association also said one of the biggest mistakes drivers can make when they see a deer in the roadway is to veer into the other lane. This action can cause head-on accident and usually are much deadlier than hitting the deer.
Some tips for driving during deer season include:
- Know the likely deer-crossing zones.
- Be especially alert for deer when driving on roads or highways on the outskirts of town and in rural areas.
- Know when deer are on the move – be especially careful between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m. and between 5 p.m. and midnight.
- Don’t rely on devices – items like deer whistles, deer fences and reflectors have not been proven effective at deterring deer crossing roadways.
- Brake firmly when a deer is near the road – slow down and stop if necessary.
- Be careful not to swerve out of your lane either into on-coming traffic or off the shoulder and into a ditch.
- Keep your distance – if you do strike a deer, don’t approach it. An injured deer is frightened and can injure you as well as further injuring itself.
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