4 Tips to avoid deer accidents this fall
Posted in Accident & Injury on October 11, 2018
To many in Ohio, autumn means changing leaves, and football. Fall is a season of change, as the temperature drops and the heating bill rises.
Unfortunately for motorists, it also means deer are much more active.
How much so?
Your chance of hitting a deer doubles between October and November.
Ohio drivers have a 1 in 134 chance of hitting a deer.
Perfect timing
One of the reasons deer accidents are more common in the fall months is because deer populations are more active in the fall. The days get shorter and we spend more time driving in darkness. Dusk and dawn also happen to be when deer are the most active and the hardest to see. On top of this, the deer mating season starts in November.
Making the most of a bad situation
Want to avoid a deer collision this fall? Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Pay attention to highway signs
Deer crossing signs are placed at known deer trails. When you one of these signs, slow down and pay attention to the road and shoulders. Even if you’ve never seen a deer by one of these signs, they’re placed there for a reason.
- Don’t assume there’s just one deer
Herds of deer are the norm; single deer are not. If you see one sprint across the road, there’s a good chance more will follow. Slow down and be prepared to stop.
- Don’t drive distracted
Distracted driving is never a good idea, but it’s especially important to avoid it while driving in heavily-populated deer areas. Give yourself a chance to react to a deer by keeping your phone down and paying attention while driving.
- Use your high beams (without oncoming traffic)
High beams may catch deer eyes better than low beams. Of course, never have your high beams on when there’s oncoming traffic.
Unfortunately, not all deer-car collisions can be avoided. But these tips can help you reduce your chances of hitting a deer this fall.