5 Tips for Driving Safely During Deer Season

10/07/2019 Lincoln, R.I.

Deer mating season is a dangerous time to be on the road. Most collisions between vehicles and deer occur in the time between fall and early winter. According to The Humane Society, approximately 1.5 million deer-related accidents occur annually and account for an average of 200 fatalities.

Here are some tips from The Humane Society and the Auto Insurance Institute to help keep you and your passengers safe when driving during deer season.

Be extra alert in the fall

Pay close attention, especially between October and early December, during breeding season when bucks travel significant distances from their home range. Watch from side to side as you drive.

Factor in the time of day

Be especially careful when driving from sunset to midnight since deer are more active and harder to see at those times. Stay alert and reduce your speed, especially from 6 to 9 p.m. If there are no oncoming cars, drive with your high-beams on. The lights can illuminate the eyes of deer and help you avoid a collision.

Watch for other deer close behind

If one deer crosses the road, there may be more behind it. Be sure to slow down and exercise extreme caution.

Sound your horn

One long blast of your horn might be enough to startle deer in the road into stopping and running away from your car. Studies show deer respond better to a car horn than hood whistles or other devices designed to scare them off.

Don’t swerve

If you spot a deer, apply your brakes and stay in your lane. Swerving out of your lane could make you lose control of your car and potentially cause an even more serious accident.