We don’t know why deer insist on crossing the road. Perhaps, like chickens, they simply want to get to the other side. One thing we do know is that Pennsylvania ranks third among the top five states with the highest risk for deer strikes, according to Consumer Reports. (The other states, ranked in order, are West Virginia, Montana, Michigan, and Wisconsin.)
We also know all too well that the damage caused by a deer strike can be extensive and costly.
Whatever the reason for their perplexing behavior, here are steps you can take to decrease your likelihood of a deer strike, whether you are driving your personal vehicle or a truck.
How to Reduce the Risk of a Deer Strike
Don’t speed.
Driving the speed limit gives you more time to scan the road for wildlife and react if an animal crosses your path. This is especially important at dawn and dusk, when visibility decreases and wildlife activity increases.
Increase your following distance.
Following another vehicle too closely reduces your field of vision. If the driver in front of you suddenly brakes, you will have less time to react.
Know before you go.
Trip planning pays off. Survey your route before you begin your trip, and take extra precautions if you are driving through farmland or wooded areas, or traveling routes where you’ve seen deer before. Trust that highway authorities know what they are doing when installing deer crossing signs.
Stay alert.
If there is no oncoming traffic at night, use your high beams. Scan your surroundings for the reflection of eyes in your headlights. Look for shadows near the shoulder of the road, and watch for movement between your vehicle and the lights of oncoming cars.
Resist the urge to swerve.
Swerving to avoid an animal can cause you to collide with a guardrail, pole, tree, or other object. You may also leave the roadway and experience a rollover. If you cannot avoid a collision, brake firmly to slow down, stay in your lane, and brace for impact.
Look for friends and family.
Deer travel in groups. If you see one deer, it’s likely there are more nearby.
Don’t rely on deer whistles or horns.
Deer whistles and horns have not been proven effective and may actually startle deer into standing still in the roadway.
Know What to Do After a Deer Strike
If you strike an animal:
- Pull off to a safe spot on the side of the road.
- Turn on your hazard lights and set out reflective triangles or flares.
- Do not attempt to move the animal, especially if it is alive. Antlers can be dangerous.
- Call 911 if the animal is blocking traffic or could create a hazard for other drivers.
- Walk around your vehicle to assess damage. Take photos of any damage and the surrounding area.
- Professional truck drivers should notify their driver manager and maintenance and safety departments if there is damage or if the vehicle is not safe to drive.
Buckle Up
More than half of driver fatalities from animal strikes are caused by drivers not wearing seatbelts.
Wear your seatbelt.
