Safety Tips for Driving in Deer Season

MEIGS COUNTY, Ohio – With cooler temperatures and the leaves changing it is that time of year again, deer season. Most hunters have been itching for this time of year to get here.

The first part of November is one of the most dangerous times of the year for drivers. It is deer breeding season, the time of year that the bucks go crazy chasing does and will stop for nothing when crossing the road. This time of year will also have hunters out in the woods driving the deer, farmers harvesting crops, all making the deer move.

There will be more than 20,000 deer vehicle collisions this year. These collisions can result in fatalities,multiple injuries and millions of dollars in total insured losses. Deer can be seen crossing roads in early morning or late evening, when visibility is lowest, but can be spooked to cross the road at any time.

Be aware of your surroundings this deer season and follow some of the following tips to help you prevent a deer collision:

Wear a seat belt
Follow posted speed limit
Know your surroundings, if you see one deer expect there to be more
Avoid breaking at impact, at impact if you break that will put the front of your vehicle closer to the ground which can result in the deer going through the windshield
Do not swerve as this can cause you to loose control of the vehicle and cause more damage that just hitting the deer
Drive with high beams on to allow for maximum exposure and better response time
Do not totally rely on deer whistles to deter the deer
Do not be distracted by phone calls, text, radio, ect
Stay alert, awake and sober

Deer are unpredictable especially when frightened, so stay alert this deer season and safe driving.