How To Avoid Hitting A Deer

It seems like so many of our friends and relatives have either hit a deer, or just had a number of near-misses.

I read some articles recently about how to avoid hitting a deer, and how to minimize the damage to your vehicle if you do.

In addition to installing deer whistles on our vehicles, here’s what I’ve learned about vehicle-deer collisions and how to avoid hitting a deer…

There are about 1.8 million car accidents with deer each year that kill 440 Americans, cause more than 60,000 personal injuries, and result in $10 billion in vehicle damage.

— World Animal Foundation

Best Tips For Avoiding Deer

#1 –“If an encounter with a deer is inevitable, then you should hit the brakes up until the very last second of impact; suddenly releasing the brakes will send the deer propelling into the roadway rather than into your windshield.” — The Tennessean

#2 – “Don’t swerve. If a collision seems inevitable, don’t veer off to avoid the animal. Your risk of injury may be greater if you do. Maintain control of the vehicle.” — State Farm

#3 – “If you spot a deer in the road, slow down immediately and blow your horn with one long blast to frighten it away.” — Wisconsin Dept. of Transportation

#4 – “Most motorist deaths and injuries occur when drivers swerve to avoid hitting the deer and strike a fixed object, such as a tree or another vehicle. It may seem powerless, but simply applying your brakes while you’re buckled up, gripping the steering wheel with both hands, and coming to a controlled stop (if possible) can actually help minimize damage and injuries.” — The Auto Channel

#5 – “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.” — Insurance Information Institute

#6 – “Don’t assume there’s only one deer crossing the road — they usually travel in groups.” — The Charlotte Observer

#7 – “When you encounter deer along the roadside, turn on your emergency lights to let other motorists know about the potential danger.” U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Forest Service

Some Interesting Facts:

• November Is The Worst Month For Deer Accidents (and October too)
• Deer-Vehicle Crash Information Clearinghouse
• Wildlife & Vehicle Collisions Study
• The Average Deer Weight Is 125 To 300 Pounds
• Deer Damage Usually Costs About $3,000
• Roadkill Stats

For the 5th year in a row, West Virginia tops the list of states where a driver is most likely to run into a deer, State Farm reports. The other states in the top 10 are Iowa, South Dakota, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Montana, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota and Wyoming. –

– USAToday

A Word About Deer Whistles

Unfortunately, car deer whistles may be less effective than originally thought.

Still, in my opinion, anything that could even possibly help avoid a deer collision makes sense.

Even if it reduces your chances of hitting a deer 90% as reported by the Save A Deer brand of car whistles, it’s worth it. Especially since the deer whistles are so cheap!

Funny Deer Stuff

Check out this video of 3 deer “boxing” in the wild:

Another video of a dog and deer playing:

If you like hunting, then you’ll love these free online deer hunting games!

Listen to Bud Light’s Real Men of Genius ”Mr. Camouflage Suit Maker”:

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