Be Alert for Roaming Wildlife on Highways

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PIERRE, S.D. - Fall is typically the time when big game animals are on the move, all the more reason for motorists to pay special attention to "Deer Crossing" signs and watch for animals near the highway.

"October through December is the time when deer-automobile accidents reach their peak," said Art Smith, wildlife damage management program administrator for the S.D. Game, Fish and Parks Department. "Deer are restless in the fall through their rut and as they prepare for winter. Drivers should never overdrive the road conditions, and one of the conditions we can expect in South Dakota is deer on the move."

Often when a motorist sees a deer or other big game animal on the road, there isn't much time to react. The most severe accidents don't occur when the vehicle hits the deer but when the motorist swerves to avoid the animal and hits a tree or another vehicle or suffers a rollover.

"A driver who tries to save an animal by swerving may not be choosing the safest option," Smith said. According to the Insurance Information Institute, when a collision is inevitable, don't swerve. The driver should hold on to the steering wheel, hit the brakes firmly, stay in the proper lane and bring the vehicle to a controlled stop."

Drivers should be vigilant during this peak season for deer/vehicle collisions and follow these suggestions from the Insurance Information Institute:

• Be particularly attentive between sunset and midnight and during the hours shortly before and shortly after sunrise. Most deer-vehicle collisions occur at those times.
• Drive carefully in areas known to have high deer populations.
• If you see a deer, slow down. Others are probably nearby.
• Use high-beam headlights when there is no oncoming traffic. The high beams will reflect in a deer's eyes and warn you of its presence.
• Don't rely on deer whistles, deer fences or reflectors to deter deer.
• Always wear seat belts.

When a vehicle strikes a big game animal, the driver needs to make immediate contact with law enforcement.

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