Watch out for Bambi on the roads. 

Collisions with doe-eyed deer can occur anytime, anywhere — and statistics show about 1.5 million accidents occurring annually across the country. Particularly when driving along a stretch of road that’s situated near a wooded area.  

Like many car crashes, it just takes an instant. One second, you’re cruising down a road, fave tunes on blast as you safely observe all driving rules and regulations… and the next, a deer hops out right in front of you.    

It’s a terrifying moment for motorists, and one that can often be avoidable by following these guidelines to help prevent even a near-collision from happening:

Literal ‘deer crossing’ signs on the road will tell you if you’re in an area with a large deer population. Pay attention, the signs have been placed there for a safety reason, not as roadside decor.

Thanks in part probably to Zach Galifianakis and The Hangover, wolf packs tend to get all the attention, but deer are pack animals as well… and they don’t often travel alone. A supposed ‘one-man deer pack’ may actually have some cute furry friends about to dart across from you as well.   

Many collisions occur after the motorist slowed down for one animal… and then quickly accelerated again. Keep your eyes peeled and continue to drive on higher alert. 

Deer are most active at dusk and dawn — and often populate in wooded areas with few or no street lamps. Be even more cautious and alert at these times of day.  

Flick on your brights to illuminate further down the road, as well as aid the deer in seeing your vehicle as well. Just remember when you see cars coming your way to turn the high beams off. You want to see the deer, not blind oncoming traffic.

Do you often travel along roads where deer sightings are common? It’s a good idea to choose LED or HID bulbs over traditional halogen. Their brighter light will help you spot animals easier, and they’re also more energy-efficient.

Like many nocturnal animals, deer have an eyeshine that seems to glow in the dark. While a deer’s eyes may appear black or brown during the day, at night the color changes to yellow (or even a light greenish tint.) Be on the lookout for this telltale calling card, and slow down.

If the deer doesn’t see you, let them hear you. Get their attention and you’ll scare them away. Careful though: some experts say honking your horn too much may confuse the animal and even bring them closer to the road.  

Sometimes, despite all these precautions and being extra alert and on the lookout, a deer may hop out in front of you. Swerving your vehicle may feel like the instinctual move in the moment, but doing so could easily cause a much worse collision with other cars. You could also end up swerving off the road, and rolling into a ditch or lake. 

Empowered drivers are safer drivers, more thoughtful drivers, and more engaged drivers. Check out more helpful tips on our blog, such as:

• Break Up With Bad Driving Habits

• Dating 101: How Can Your Car Drive Up Attraction?

• Car Fires: Can It Happen to You? 

What are you waiting for? Join the ride and get a quote today and see how techno-driven coverage can lower your premiums.