Deer mating season can be a dangerous time for drivers, deer, and your vehicle. Here are some tips for avoiding a collision:
- Watch for the rest of the pack. Deer are pack animals and rarely travel alone. If you see one, there will be more to come. Slow down and watch for more deer darting across the road.
- During mating season (between October and January), deer are on the move and most active at dusk and dawn.
- If traveling on a multi-lane road, the center lane is the best to avoid deer darting across the road.
- Do NOT swerve to miss a deer, as you could lose control of your vehicle. Brake firmly and calmly, and stay in your lane.
- Honking your horn for one long blast could potentially scare deer out of the road.
If you hit a deer:
- Pull to the side of the road as soon as it is safe to do so.
- Turn on your hazard lights and remain in the vehicle until you are sure it is safe.
- Call emergency services if injuries are involved or the local police for property damage.
- Stay away from the deer. If it is still alive, it could be dangerous if approached. When contacting the police, let them know if the deer is in a dangerous spot on the road so that it can be removed.
For more information on deer safety, please call the Carbondale Office of Emergency Management at 618-457-3245.