Caution Deer Crossing Ahead

I got a brochure from my insurance company titled “Caution Deer Crossing Ahead“ I think it is good to share here with my readers especially to those who drive on country roads during the fall months.

How to prevent or minimize a Collision,

1. Drive at a safe speed. Slow down, especially in posted deer crossing zones, at the edge of fields and near heavily wooded areas.

2. Always wear your seatbelt. Drivers and passengers are less likely to be seriously injured in a crash if they are wearing seatbelts.

3. Pay careful attention at dawn and dusk. Deer are most active in the early morning and evening when driver visibility is the worst.

4. Watch for the reflection of the deer eyes. If there is no oncoming traffic, use your high beams to help you see deer earlier and give you more reaction time.

5. If you see a deer near the road, honk your horn or flash your high beams. Let the deer know that you are coming and from which direction.

6. Remember that deer travel in groups. If you see one deer cross the road, it is likely that more will follow. Deer often move in single file lines.

7. Do not rely on deer whistles or other devices. Deer do not always respond to “ultra-sonic” deterrents.

8. Maintain control of your vehicle. Keep your car headed straight, even if that means hitting the deer. Many animal-vehicle accidents occur when the driver veers from the road and hits another object, such as tree, light post or another vehicle.

9. Flash your hazard lights to warn other drivers. Let other drivers know when you spot a deer near the road by flashing your hazard lights or high beams. Slow down if you see other drivers using this warning signal.