If you’ve been traveling on any of the many rural roads in our area, then you’ve likely been confronted by one of the many deer species that are making the rounds this time of year. Perhaps you’ve seen them eating grass in your yard; maybe you’ve even got your license to go hunting for one in the next few weeks. At any rate, you’ll want to be sure that you’re careful to avoid a collision with one, which is what we’re here to discuss today. Namely, this: how do you avoid hitting a deer with your car?

How to Avoid Hitting a Deer with your Car

Get Inside the Psyche of a Deer

We don’t mean this in any glib or cheesy way. We mean this with total sincerity, actually. Deer can be unpredictable, which is why knowing their habits can help you avoid hitting one. They are often most active during mating (or rutting) season, which we’re right in the thick of right now. This is when our state’s official wildlife animal will be most stirred up, particularly during the hours near dawn and dusk. They’ll also often be in areas that are wooded, with lots of leafy foliage, with areas to drink water. They’ll also rarely be alone, so it you see one, they’ve likely got friends.

Keep Your Eyes Fresh and Moving

Like we said above, deer are generally more active during the hours around dawn and dusk, which unfortunately is also when it’s hardest for you to see. That’s why you need to keep your eyes moving as best as you can, and to continually be scanning ditches and the shadowy areas for unseen deer. Their eyes have a greenish-yellow covering, making them often easy to see.
Read More: Safe Driving in Construction Zones

Use Headlights to Your Advantage

Do you ever use your high beams? We trust that you do, but probably not as often as you could. On roads in remote areas, where there are many elevation changes, your high beams are your best friends. You can see much further into the distance, and will also peer more easily into the ditches. Then, if you happen to see a deer, you can alert other drivers to this fact by flashing your high beams.

Never Panic

We know, you’re instinct might be to swerve or slam on the brakes or what have you. However, try to remain calm. Simply apply the brakes firmly, honk on your horn, but whatever you do, stay in your lane. If you’re choosing between hitting a deer or swerving your vehicle, this really isn’t a choice to make at all.
As we’ve mentioned, there is a good chance that you’ll see deer on the roads in the coming months. However, if disaster strikes, and you happen to hit one, our collision center in the Milwaukee area is well-suited to fix any problems that might arise. Come see us soon at EVS Auto Group!