Syracuse.com - Ways to avoid hitting a deer this time of year with your car or truck

[HuntingNY-News]

Do not rely on devices such as deer whistles, deer fences and reflectors to deter deer. These devices have not been proven to reduce deer-vehicle collisions.

Dave Lassman |[email protected] 

The Insurance Information Institute gives the following information and advice on defensive driving tips to avoid hitting a deer.

The exploding deer population has led to a continuing increase in deer-car collisions and this trend will only increase as the deer population grows and urban habitats continue to encroach upon rural environments.

- Be especially attentive from sunset to midnight and during the hours shortly before and after sunrise. These are the highest risk times for deer-vehicle collisions.

- Drive with caution when moving through deer-crossing zones, in areas known to have a large deer population and in areas where roads divide agricultural fields from forestland. Deer seldom run alone. If you see one deer, others may be nearby.

- When driving at night, use high beam headlights when there is no oncoming traffic. The high beams will better illuminate the eyes of deer on or near the roadway.

- Slow down and blow your horn with one long blast to frighten the deer away.

- Brake firmly when you notice a deer in or near your path, but stay in your lane. Many serious crashes occur when drivers swerve to avoid a deer and hit another vehicle or lose control of their cars.

(Brian Underwood, a wildlife biologist for U.S. Geological Survey who teaches at SUNY ESF, adds: "The standard advice that Triple AAA and others give is to take your foot off the accelerator, brake slightly, put both hands on the steering wheel -- and hit the deer," Underwood said.)

- Always wear your seat belt. Most people injured in car/deer crashes were not wearing their seat belt.

- Do not rely on devices such as deer whistles, deer fences and reflectors to deter deer. These devices have not been proven to reduce deer-vehicle collisions.

View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog