Every year as the rut winds to an end, we outdoor writers begin compartmentalizing the reasons for the tough hunting—and the strategies you should be using if you’re still holding a tag. Speed limits vary from state to state. While we may need more time to get to our respective destinations, we will also exponentially-increase the chances of getting there in one piece. These defensive driving tips are invaluable in preparing for a deer-related issue while driving. Like all animals, deer can be unpredictable. Turn on your hazard lights and remain in the vehicle until you are sure it is safe. Even a small nail in the road could cause a tire blowout. Knowing what to do when you encounter a large animal on or near the roadway can be a life-saver. Slow down and keep an eye out for more deer darting across the road. Slow down, make an assessment, and move forward with caution if you see a deer crossing down the road. These driving tips for senior citizens can help them stay safe on the road—and save money on car insurance. Swerving could make you lose control of your vehicle and turn a bad situation much worse. Deer often travel with others, so if you see one cross the road, there’s an increased chance that more will follow. Slowing down gives us more time to react if we suddenly see a deer pop in front of our vehicles. We certainly recommend using them as they are a relatively inexpensive way to help keep deer away from your vehicle. It’s that simple. What to Do if You Hit a Deer. While you’re at it, make sure your tail lights are clean and working as well — the U of I Extension states that if you see a deer on the road, tapping your brakes can help alert other drivers behind you of its presence. Don't drive at night, for example. Deer Season Driving Tips So what can you do if a deer jumps in front of your car? 6 Tips for Driving During Deer Season. Even if you don’t see any warning signs, remain alert while you’re driving. This will maximize the profile of your vehicle while also emitting flashes that can scare deer away. Use your bright lights if possible when driving in the morning and evening. You may also spot a deer because their eyes will brightly reflect a car’s headlights, making them easier to spot. Keep in mind that deer, elk, and antelope wander in groups. Brake firmly the second you see the deer. Deer whistles are merely peace-of-mind placebos. If you end up hitting a deer, try to keep the wheel as straight as possible as you brake. In 2015-16, there were more than 200 fatalities as the result of deer strikes, and the average car repair bill came in at around $4,000. Some experts recommend that one long blast of the horn will scare deer out of the road. Do not rely on hood whistles or other devices designed to scare off deer—studies have shown them to be largely ineffective at minimizing accidents. In fact, some experts believe that a good number of deer collisions are caused, in part, because vehicles are so quiet these days. Here are a few tips on what to do if large animals, such as deer, unexpectedly appear in front of the vehicle you are driving. During the day, we may get a second or two of advanced warning if we can see them emerging from the treeline, and this can be more than enough time to stop or take some kind of safe evasive action. If you don't know who to call for your area then call 911. Some experts recommend that one long blast of the horn will scare deer out of the road. If it is still alive, it could be confused, injured and dangerous if approached. If you can only see one deer, chances are that there are two or three more in the woods, and if one runs, they all will. Make seatbelts a requirement for yourself and every passenger So how can you avoid hitting a deer? Here’s what you should do if you get into a deer car accident. You are most likely to see deer during September, October, and November because autumn is deer mating season. Don't drive at night, for example. Take a moment to get familiar with some tips to avoid a deer-related collision. Deer are nocturnal, so the most dangerous times for driving in deer territory are dusk and dawn. 3. You hit the brakes, but it’s too late: You hear a thump as you strike the deer. Here are some useful tips to keep from being one of over 200 people annually killed by deer coming through your windshield: Don’t get distracted by anything. If you hit a deer you should pull over immediately (if safe to do so) and remove the bits of deer from the roadway (again, if safe to do so). Most likely any movement you do will scare off the deer. In a defensive driving course I had to take for work, we were told NOT to slam on the brakes if you couldn't avoid hitting a deer. Deer strikes are serious. Deer can run fast, jump far, and seemingly pop out of nowhere as they dash across roadways. In addition to keeping an eye out for additional animals if you see a deer while driving, Farmers/ORC offered some suggestions. If you drive in a state or province that employs road salt, keep in mind that wildlife embraces it as a condiment. Colliding with a deer at full-speed can be akin to driving into a concrete wall. Deer or no deer, the distraction could be deadly. 1. Consequently, periodically making noise by revving the engine in neutral, honking the horn, or even sounding a vehicle’s alarm siren in deer territory can deter them from crossing until you’ve passed their position. Cars are engineered to take impact head on. Whether you encounter a squirrel or moose, knowing how to react when you see a pair of eyes ahead of you on the road will drastically reduce the chances of your involvement in a serious wreck. First off, you always need to be watching for movement off the road that could be a deer. Deer mating season can be a dangerous time for drivers, deer and car hoods. Roads may be drier but wildlife more numerous. 6. 2. Keeping calm and driving smart improve your chances of avoiding a collision and staying safe on the road. Consequently, one of the best things that we can all do is to take our foot off the gas when we’re driving in areas that have deer. Driving Safely: What to do When Deer Cross the Road. In addition to following these tips, it’s also important to pay attention to the road while driving, maintain good situational awareness, and consider changing the time of day or route of travel if you’re going to be heading through an area that is known to have deer crossing issues. [7] And be careful driving on Settler's Ridge at dusk — prime deer playing time. Deer like the same road conditions as you do — except with more deer and no cars. Being prepared and knowing how to react if you see a deer crossing a road is essential to safe driving during deer season. Deer are most active at dusk and dawn: periods when your vision is most compromised. Use extra caution during peak deer hours. Be alert. Have backseat passengers buckle up as well, because that kind of impact can easily send them flying through the vehicle cabin and possibly out a window. If you see a deer, brake firmly and calmly, and stay in your lane. Sometimes deer jump out and there isn’t time to avoid them. This gives deer plenty of space; and in case your vehicle does startle them, it gives you more time to react if one darts onto the road. Email(Your email address will not be published). Here’s what you need to do if you see a deer in your headlights. Not to mention, deer are unpredictable, and you could swerve directly into their changed path. According to the Insurance Information Institute, 1.6 million deer-vehicle collisions occur each year, resulting in 200 fatalities, tens of thousands of injuries and over $3.6 billion in vehicle damage. Look out for deer in any of these locations. Find out where your state ranks. What do I do if I see a deer? Deer do get startled when they’re suddenly caught in the beam of headlights, but in most cases, this happens when they’re stationary in the roadway. To add to their terrible timing, deer are on the move during mating season (between October and January) when you’re more likely to travel after the sun sets. Call emergency services if injuries are involved or the local police for property damage. As a driver, you learn to expect the unexpected from other drivers and changing road conditions. This is especially true when you are driving through areas that are heavily wooded. I have a very close relative who has totaled TWO brand NEW vehicles over the recent years because where they live, deer runs rampant, especially during the winter months.. I’ve learned a few things from my family member’s mistakes about how to avoid hitting a deer and I’d like to drop some science on you. Two eyes shining in the road. Deer that are running or jumping tend to be focused on what’s in front of them. However, this is not usually the case at night. Deer are generally skittish animals, and they tend to run out of an abundance of caution if they get startled. Not to mention, deer are unpredictable, and you could swerve directly into their changed path. Read on for our advice on cats and deer. 1. Deer often travel with others, so if you see one cross the road, there’s an increased chance that more will follow. If a deer jumps in front of your car… While it’s natural to be momentarily overcome with terror, do your best to stay calm. Make sure you have comprehensive coverage included in your auto insurance in the event of an animal accident. Try flashing headlights and turning on sport or utility lights as you drive down dark country roads. If you see a deer in the road, don't swerve to avoid it. Swerving could make you lose control of your vehicle and turn a bad situation much worse. There are more than 1.5 million collisions involving vehicles and dear each year. Don’t exceed the speed limit. Deer travel in groups, so you are unlikely to see a single deer in the road. Hitting a deer while driving – not a pretty sight! When driving in the fall or winter, you need to be particularly alert, as deer … The safest place to be in deer territory is in the center of the road. Deer are pack animals, and rarely travel alone. The best thing to do is drive defensively in the first place and go slowly enough that you won't collide with a moose and can brake in time. Learn the truth behind these 5 common driving myths that you may have heard from your relatives. The yellow diamonds with the deer on it are placed in high-traffic areas for deer. Stay away from the deer. More are bound to follow. Here’s how to be prepared—just in case. Troopers offer safety tips when you see a deer while driving. If the above plan fails (and it happens to the best drivers), you should take the following steps in the deer collision aftermath. Hopefully you are always driving defensively so you can be prepared if a deer should appear in front of you. When contacting the authorities, let them know if the deer is in a dangerous spot on the road so that it can be removed. If you see a deer on the road, use your horn or your brakes, but don’t swerve out of your lane to avoid the animal. How To Spot Deer While Driving. Do not swerve and leave your lane; many accidents are not due to colliding with the deer but are the result of driving into another car or truck in the opposite lane while trying to avoid the animal. With tornado season upon us, make sure to read these safety tips on driving during a tornado to make sure you are safe from a tornado. One really long, continuous honk. Try to avoid hitting the deer. Take some time to think about other things that we can do to stay safe while driving through deer country, and feel free to share any useful tips as well. It’s also recommended to drive straight toward a deer that you see in the center of the road ahead. Deer tend to travel in packs – so if you see one deer, slow down and … The reasoning is, when you brake hard, inertia causes the front of your car dip down, making it more likely for a deer you hit to slide up your hood and thru the windshield. Be cautious during high-risk travel times. During deer migration and mating season, which generally runs from October through December, there is a dramatic increase in the movement of deer populations and this means you’re more likely to cross paths with a deer while you’re driving. Read these quick reminders and safety tips for what to do when driving and you encounter a school bus on the road. 10 Tips to Avoid Animals on the Road Have A Plan In Case of an Accident. Best Way to Avoid Hitting a Deer on the Road. Because a deer can jump in front of anyone's vehicle, you should know what to do if you ever hit a deer while driving. Again, you should always remember that deer commonly move in packs so seeing even one may mean others are near. If you see a deer, brake firmly and calmly, and stay in your lane. It also helps you to reduce the chances of losing control of your vehicle from swerving. Stay alert if you spot a deer. Contact GEICO as quickly as possible to report any damage to your vehicle. In fact, you have a 1/169 chance of hitting a deer, according to State Farm. When you do spot movement that could be from a deer, you should immediately slow down but not stop. If you are driving through an area known for high deer populations, you are likely to see the Deer Crossing warning sign. It also reduces stopping distance, which can prevent collisions from occurring in the first place. First, look for the road signs. Slow down, make an assessment, and move forward with caution if you see a deer crossing down the road. Honk the horn. They end up costing motorists more than 3.5 billion dollars in damage and medical expenses, and a couple hundred people lose their lives annually as a result. I almost ran into two deer just last week on that road. This will hopefully scare the deer away. Deer car accidents are more common than you think. While not 100% guaranteed to work, deer whistles provide some insurance to help you avoid deer while driving. If you happen to see deer crossing signs, that means you should begin to be more cautious. Being prepared can help prevent you from adding to these statistics. On a multi-lane road, the center lane is your safest bet for avoiding a deer collision, as long as your local traffic laws permit it. If you see deer crossing signs or know the area to have deer, pay close attention to the road. Pull to the side of the road as soon as it is safe to do so. However, there are a couple of tricks that may help, and even if you still end up striking a deer, they can reduce the severity of the impact. It’s also a good idea to be wearing a seatbelt. On that note, there’s always a possibility that a deer or other large animal could cross the road in front of your car. Review these tips before driving so that you will know what to do when you encounter an animal on the road. This can help them to process the fact that you’re bearing down on their position and pose an imminent threat. Oh, and if you happen to catch sight of a deer, be extra cautious; they tend to travel in groups, and have been known to leap directly in front of cars at the last possible moment. When Cell Phones Stop Working, then What. If, for whatever reason, you don't clear the road yourself then you should immediately call the relevant authority to report the road hazard. If you hit an animal which is covered by The Road Traffic Act 1988 – namely, dogs, goats, horses, cattle, donkeys, mules, sheep and pigs you are legally required to report it to the police.But if you hit an animal not mentioned in the Road Traffic Act – a cat or a fox for example – you are not required by law to report it but you might want to inform the police of the incident anyway. Honk! Get a free online car insurance quote and see how much you could save with GEICO! If you see one crossing, slow to a crawl. There are many deer throughout Indiana, not to mention the rest of the United States, and drivers collide with them on a regular basis. This gives you, as well as the deer, room to escape in the heat of the moment. If you do hit a deer, pull over to a safe spot on the side of the road and call the police and animal control. Whatever you do, don’t use your cell phone while you’re driving. In addition to keeping an eye out for additional animals if you see a deer while driving, Farmers/ORC offered some suggestions. Deer are known to be in the area and crossing over the roads you are traveling on. (Your email address will not be published). Here’s our tally of the fastest and slowest states in the country. If a deer crosses in front of you, chances are there are more nearby. Unfortunately, there’s not a lot that we can do to prevent collisions, particularly at night, on dark roads, when deer are almost impossible to see until their silhouette gets painted by our headlights. Deer are mostly solid, and can weigh anywhere from 100 to 200 lbs. It alerts you to slow down and watch for wild animals crossing the road. Slow down when you see the Deer Crossing warning sign. It’s also a good idea to be wearing a seatbelt. Slow down and stay alert, especially after dark.

what to do when you see a deer while driving

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