Stay Alert As Deer Are On The Move This Season

Deer activity picks up this time of year.  MN-Dot's William Van Koevering has suggestions on how you can avoid hitting deer.

Deer are most active around dawn and dusk, which means the chance of a crash rises dramatically during your commute. The best way to avoid a deer-vehicle crash is to stay attentive behind the wheel and expect the unexpected.

Tips for All Drivers:

• Slow down in areas known for deer or where fields and wooded areas meet.
• Be extra cautious from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. as this is the peak time for deer activity.
• Use high beams when possible at night to spot deer eyes reflecting light.
• Never swerve to avoid a deer. Swerving can cause you to lose control and go off the road, or crash into oncoming traffic.
• Watch for one deer but expect more. Deer often travel in groups.

Tips for Motorcyclists:

• Slow down and use both brakes (front and rear) to stop as quickly as possible when encountering an animal.
• If contact is unavoidable, release the brakes and attempt to swerve slowly behind the animal, only if there is room in your lane.
• Always focus on maintaining control of your motorcycle.