Can deer season threaten drivers?

Recreational hunters think of the fall as the sporting season. Open game for deer is an exciting time and a way of keeping the deer population under control. The deer population can also impact the safety of the roads.

Over 40% of car accidents happen between October and December, with the bulk of accidents occurring in November. During this time, deer are much more prevalent on the road and can cause many accidents just through their presence.

How to stay safe

Unfortunately, there are not many signs of a deer entering a roadway until it is too late. One of the most telling signs of a deer is the shine of headlights in its eyes, but the reflection is hardly visible during the day. It is also important to remember that deer travel in groups, so if you see one deer, expect more.

When you see a deer, do not swerve wildly to avoid it, as it may cause more accidents than the deer might have. Kneejerk reactions can cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle. If you can spot a deer early, you should have enough time to slow down enough to avoid it or come to a complete stop if necessary.

Autumn roads can be dangerous

An increase in deer can become dangerous for fall drivers, but that is not all that threatens them. When drivers do not safely react to deer on the road, they can become a danger to those around them as well. Watch out for deer and reckless drivers this fall to help stay safe.