Avoiding Deer Collisions

English: A white-tailed deer (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

An article in the NebraskaLand magazine (November 2011, p.10) provided some helpful tips on avoiding collisions with deer. The material that follows has been adapted from that article.

Most Dangerous Months

The writers noted that data from State Farm Insurance says that November is the month most vehicles hit a deer, with more than 18% of all collisions occurring in that month. In fact a collision in November is 3 times more likely than a collision occurring between February 1 and August 31. October is the second most likely month and December is the third.

Tactics to Avoid Hitting Deer

Here are several tactics that may be helpful in preventing collisions with deer.

1. Be aware of posted deer crossing signs. Reduce your speed. Wear your seatbelt.

2. Be the most cautious between 6 and 9 PM, when deer are most active.

3. Deer travel in groups. Just because you missed the first one doesn’t mean there isn’t a second one) close behind.

4. Evidence shows deer whistles don’t work. Don’t rely on them.

5. Use high-beams whenever possible to give you a better chance of seeing the deer.

6. If a collision with a deer appears inevitable, resist the urge to swerve out-of-the-way. Doing so may cause a rollover or put you into oncoming traffic.

About the Author

Stephen M. Vantassel is a certified wildlife control operator who helps individuals, businesses, and agencies resolve wildlife damage issues through training, writing, expert witness, and research. His latest book is the Wildlife Damage Inspection Handbook, 3rd edition. He can be contacted at stephenvantassel at Hotmail dot com.

Copyright

All postings are the property of Stephen M. Vantassel and Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC. Text may be reprinted in non-profit publications provided that the author and website URL is included.