• Deer-related crashes tend to peak during the months of October and November during the “rut” or mating season for white-tailed deer.
• Deer/vehicle crashes can happen any time of day, but are most frequent during the early morning and early evening hours.
PREVENTING DEER-RELATED CRASHES
• While deer crashes can occur throughout the year, be especially alert during the months of May, June, October, and November when crashes tend to peak. Also, deer tend to be most active during the early morning and early evening hours. Slowing down and carefully scanning the roadway ahead is a good strategy to avoid deer crashes.
• If you see one deer cross your path, slow down and watch carefully for more—deer seldom travel alone.
• If a collision with a deer is unavoidable, brake firmly, stay in your lane and maintain control of your vehicle. Sudden swerving can result in a loss of vehicle control and a much more serious crash with another vehicle or a stationary object like a tree, utility pole or embankment.
• If you hit a deer, get your vehicle safely off the road if possible. Turn on the vehicle’s emergency flashers and contact law enforcement. Generally, it’s safest to stay buckled-up inside your vehicle. Walking along a highway is always dangerous as you could be struck by another vehicle.
• Don’t attempt to move an injured deer.