Although motor vehicle-deer collisions can happen year-round, November is the month with the highest risk, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
The Department of Transportation offers the following tips to help avoid motor vehicle-deer collisions:
- Slow down and prepare to stop as soon as you see a deer. Also, slow down if other drivers are slowing down or braking, which may indicate the presence of deer.
- When you spot a deer, watch for more. Deer frequently travel in groups.
- Know that deer are nocturnal and often travel at dawn and at dusk. Many motor vehicle-deer crashes occur between 6 p.m. and midnight.
- When driving at night, watch for reflections from your headlights. Deer eyes may reflect the light, and spotting the reflection could give you more time to react. Use your bright lights when no traffic is approaching.
- If you hit a deer, call 911.
