The Oklahoma Highway is already reporting lots of crashes involving deer. Troopers remind you that deer are on the move during mating season (between October and January) and encourage you to pay close attention at dusk and dawn.
- See one? There’s probably more.
Deer are pack animals, and rarely travel alone. If a deer crosses in front of you, chances are there are more nearby. Slow down and keep an eye out for more deer darting across the road.
- When to be alert
Deer are most active at dusk and dawn: periods when your vision is most compromised. To add to their terrible timing, deer are on the move during mating season (between October and January) when you’re more likely to travel after the sun sets. Slow down and stay alert, especially after dark.
- Headlights on
First, look for the road signs. The yellow diamonds with the deer on it are placed in high-traffic areas for deer. You may also spot a deer because their eyes will brightly reflect a car’s headlights, making them easier to spot.
- Center lane if possible
On a multi-lane road, the center lane is your safest bet for avoiding a deer collision, as long as your local traffic laws permit it. This gives deer plenty of space; and in case your vehicle does startle them, it gives you more time to react if one darts onto the road.
- Brake, but don’t swerve.
If you see a deer, brake firmly and calmly, and stay in your lane. Swerving could make you lose control of your vehicle and turn a bad situation much worse. Not to mention, deer are unpredictable, and you could swerve directly into their changed path.
- Use your horn
Some experts recommend that one long blast of the horn will scare deer out of the road. Do not rely on hood whistles or other devices designed to scare off deer—studies have shown them to be largely ineffective at minimizing accidents.
What To Do If You Hit A Deer
If the above plan fails (and it happens to the best drivers), you should take the following steps in the deer collision aftermath.
Pull to the side of the road as soon as it is safe to do so.
Turn on your hazard lights and remain in the vehicle until you are sure it is safe.
Call emergency services if injuries are involved or the local police for property damage.
Stay away from the deer. If it is still alive, it could be confused, injured and dangerous if approached. When contacting the authorities, let them know if the deer is in a dangerous spot on the road so that it can be removed.
