Avoiding Deer Related Collisions

Every year, collisions with deer result in thousands of vehicle accidents, or collisions that involve hitting other vehicles or objects while trying to avoid a deer. Animal collisions can cause serious injuries or damage and must be taken seriously.

Key Practices

• Wear seat belts at all times.

• Keep your eyes moving. Scan roadsides, woods, or fields. If you see one deer, slow down and prepare to react.

• What if the deer is not in the road? Slow down and prepare to stop or react as they move quickly and there may be more.

• Stay alert. Although car-deer crashes occur all year, be especially alert in the spring and fall, and at dusk and dawn.

• Don’t ignore deer crossing signs. They are placed in known higher deer activity areas.

• Light it up. Use high beam lights whenever it’s safe and look for reflections in their eyes.

If a crash is unavoidable:

• Don’t swerve into another lane or off the road. Slow down, stay in your lane, and bring your vehicle to a controlled stop.

• What if you hit a deer? Only pull over if it is safe. Turn on your emergency flashers and be cautious of other traffic if you leave your vehicle.

• Call law enforcement if required. Depending on your state, you may need to contact local law enforcement to report the collision.

Key Facts

• Deer are most active from April to June and October to December.

• Most deer related collisions occur at daybreak and at dusk, when they are moving.

• Be especially alert during these periods, or in rural areas; however, alert driving is always the best practice, since animal behavior is unpredictable.

• In Michigan, about 80% of deer collisions are on two lane roads. Although most are in rural areas, deer can live in towns or suburbs.

• Deer are herd animals and frequently travel together. If you see one deer, chances are that there will be more, so slow down and be prepared.

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