TZD Tuesday - Don't veer for deer!

October 15, 2024

Fall brings beautiful colors and crisp air, but it also comes with the increased risk of deer on the roads. As deer are more active during this time of year, especially around dawn and dusk, the chance of a crash rises. The best way to avoid a deer-vehicle crash is to stay attentive behind the wheel and limit distractions.

Tips to avoid deer crashes:

• Drive at safe speeds and always buckle up.
• Be especially cautious from 6-9 p.m., when deer are most active.
• Use high beams as much as possible at night, especially in deer-active areas.
• Never swerve to avoid a deer. Swerving can cause you to lose control and travel off the road or into oncoming traffic.
• Motorcyclists follow a different approach than vehicle drivers:
  • When encountering an animal, slow down and use both brakes to stop.
  • If a larger animal jumps out in front of you, use emergency braking (applying both front and rear brakes) to stop as quickly as possible.
  • If you are unable to stop in time and/or contact is imminent after maximum breaking, and you have room in the lane, release the brakes and attempt to swerve slowly behind the animal.
  • Always try to maintain control of your motorcycle.
• Watch for the reflection of deer eyes and for deer silhouettes on the shoulder of the road. If anything looks slightly suspicious, slow down.
• Slow down in areas known to have a large deer population. This includes areas where roads divide agricultural fields from forest land and if you’re driving through forested areas between dusk and dawn.
• Deer do unpredictable things — they stop in the middle of the road when crossing; cross and quickly re-cross back; and move toward an approaching vehicle. 

Drive smart by expecting the unexpected, and remember that your seat belt is the best defense in case of a crash.