Beware of Deer While Driving This Fall

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The dwindling daylight hours as fall approaches increase a driver's chance of hitting a deer for two simple reasons: deer are more active at night and darkness at an earlier hour means more vehicles on the road when visibility is poor.

For those reasons, drivers need to be especially wary of deer in the coming weeks.

Nearly 50 percent of all accidents involving white-tailed deer occur between October and December, according to Chad Stewart, deer research biologist at the DNR. The most basic reason is the increase in deer activity.

With their breeding season approaching, deer become more active in the fall. This activity often leads them to encounter roads more frequently, increasing the opportunity for a collision. Factors such as deer density, vehicle density, surrounding habitat, speed limits, and time of day are other contributors to accident frequency.

"With the number of deer and the number of vehicles out there, deer-vehicle accidents will happen," Stewart said. "The best we can do is to take measures to keep them to a minimum."

The best method to reduce your risk of hitting a deer is to practice defensive driving. Remembering the following information will help reduce your chances of becoming a deer-vehicle collision statistic:

    * Fall is the most common season to strike a deer.
    * Deer are most active between sunset and sunrise.
    * Deer often travel in groups, so if you see one, another is likely nearby.
    * Drive especially carefully in areas where you have seen deer before.
    * Use high beams when there is no opposing traffic; scan for deer's illuminated eyes or dark silhouettes along the side of the road.
    * If you see a deer, slow your speed drastically, even if it is far away.
    * Exercise extreme caution along woodlot edges, at hills, or blind turns.
    * Never swerve to avoid missing a deer; most serious crashes occur when drivers try to miss a deer but hit something else.

Drivers should pay attention to traffic signs warning of deer crossings, which they may be tempted to ignore, and may want to steer clear of gimmicks that claim to offer protection.

 "Deer crossing signs have proven effective, but motorists tend to get acclimated to such signs, and their efficiency can be reduced over time," Stewart said.

Stewart said that even when practicing safe driving, sometimes hitting a deer is inevitable. Even if that happens, one thing does not change--caution is still the best approach.

"If you hit a deer, remain calm," he said. "Do not approach the deer unless you are sure it has expired. Despite the gentle nature of deer, their hooves are sharp and powerful, and can be extremely dangerous."

Stewart said that, like cars and people, deer can be found anywhere, so drivers should be on the lookout everywhere.

"Whether you're driving through a state or national forest, your developed neighborhood, or inside the city limits of Indianapolis, keep your eye out," he said. "Though a deer-vehicle accident can occur at any time of the day during any season, your chances of striking a deer are greatest at low-light conditions between October and December.

"Take additional caution during these times, lower your speed, and be alert." 

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