Drivers: Fall's here, beware of deer

Indiana DNR Release:

As daylight diminishes, a driver's chance of hitting a deer increases, so all motorists need to adjust their habits and level of awareness accordingly.

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. Drivers don't suddenly become less competent during this time, but rather deer become more active because their breeding season is approaching. More activity means deer are more likely to be on the roads—or ready to dart into them when you least expect it.

This increase in activity increases the likelihood of a collision with a vehicle. Factors such as deer density, vehicle density, surrounding habitat, speed limits, and time of day are other contributors to the frequency of such accidents.

"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—or having a deer hit you—is to practice defensive driving. Knowing the following information will help reduce your chances of becoming a deer-vehicle collision statistic:

- Fall is 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 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 they may be tempted to ignore, and may want to steer clear of gimmicks.

"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. "Fancy whistles or reflectors can be placed on your car to scare deer away, but truth be told, they will only keep you from hitting hobgoblins."

Stewart said that even when practicing safe driving, sometimes hitting a deer is inevitable. Caution is also the best approach after the fact.

"If you hit a deer, remain calm," he said. "Do not approach the deer unless you are sure it has expired. Despite their gentle nature, 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, even in metropolitan areas or densely populated suburbs.

"Whether you're driving through the Hoosier National Forest, your developed neighborhood, or within the limits of our major cities, 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."

For state statistics from last year regarding deer/vehicle accidents, please see The 2008 Crash Fact Book, map 7, page 138 at this link:
http://www.in.gov/cji/files/FactBook_2008.pdf