It’s important to stay alert and take extra precautions in the fall, when deer are more active due to breeding season, called the rut. Rut times can vary, but generally in our area, it is around mid-November to late November.
Vehicle accidents involving deer can occur at any time of the year, but most accidents occur from October through December when deer activity is at its peak.
Based on data from the Insurance Information Institute, 1.6 million deer-vehicle accidents happen every year, with November accounting for the most collisions.
Deer/vehicle accidents account for 200 deaths, tens of thousands of injuries, and more than $3.6 billion in damages to vehicles annually.
Keep these driving tips in mind to stay safe on the road this deer season.
- Take precautions when driving during dusk or dawn when deer are most active.
- Pay attention to deer crossing signs, as well as areas where you see deer, and use extra caution in those areas.
- If you see one deer, slow down and proceed with caution, looking for additional deer. Deer will travel in packs.
- At night, drive at a moderate speed and use your high beams if there is no oncoming traffic.
- Do not get out of your car to check on the deer. A scared or wounded animal could cause further harm to itself — or even you.
- Most importantly, do not swerve to avoid hitting a deer, as it may lead to a more serious collision with another vehicle or running off the road.
