If you see deer on your regular route, you are at a high risk of being involved in a vehicle/deer accident. This is because deer have a pattern of behavior, and once they settle into a location, they are likely to come back many times over. However, there are many ways you can protect yourself from a vehicle/deer accident:
- Highest-risk periods are from sunset to midnight and the hours shortly before and after sunrise. Be more careful driving during these times.
- When driving at night, use high-beam headlights when there is no oncoming traffic. The high beams will illuminate the eyes of deer on or near a roadway. Watch for the reflection of deer eyes and for deer silhouettes on the shoulder of the road. High-beam headlights will not necessarily frighten a deer, so do not rely on the high beams to deter deer. Rather, rely on the lights to better illuminate the animal.
- Deer are often unpredictable, especially when faced with glaring headlights, blowing horns and fast-moving vehicles. Sometimes they stop in the middle of the road when crossing or cross quickly and come back. Sometimes they move toward an approaching vehicle. Assume nothing. Check your rear-view mirror for traffic. Slow down and blow your horn to urge the deer to leave the road. If the deer stays on the road, stop. Put on your hazard lights and wait for the deer to leave the roadway. Do not try to go around the deer while it is on the road.
- Deer frequently travel in groups and in single file. If you see one deer on or near the road, expect that others may follow.
- Brake firmly when you notice a deer in or near your path, but stay in your lane. Many serious crashes occur when drivers swerve to avoid a deer and hit another vehicle or lose control of their cars.
What do I do if a deer suddenly jumps in front of the car?
Of course every case is different, but there are a few things to consider if you find yourself in this situation. The most important is to maintain control of your car. Apply the brakes in a controlled manner. Deer are quick and agile animals and it is more likely that they will leap out of your path before you are able to brake and steer around them. Most serious injuries occur when a driver skids out of control and leaves the road or, worst of all, swerves into oncoming traffic.
Obviously these circumstances arise quickly allowing very little time to react. Try to think ahead. When you see a deer crossing sign, think about what you would do if you suddenly had a deer jump into the road. Mentally practice keeping a cool head and reacting in a controlled fashion. If it should happen one day, you will be more likely to react appropriately.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
