No, we’re not talking about the hunting season. We’re talking about the season when drivers are most likely to hit a deer.

The season of deer-infested roads is just around the corner. If you haven’t already noticed an increased number of deer crossings lately, then just wait. As mating season and hunting season begin, drivers are sure to see more deer on the roads than they have all year.

While many folks in urban and suburban areas think these animals are peaceful, majestic or Bambi-like adorable, drivers in rural areas know better. Deer are infamous in their ability to cause traffic accidents. You may not be surprised to find out that many people you know have hit a deer. However, there are also plenty of drivers out there that have been hit by a deer. They seem to stand there by the side of the road and wait as you approach, then jump out at the last minute in a suicidal attempt to hit your vehicle. Or, maybe they’re just seeing if they can make you slam on your brakes and swerve off the road? 

To top it all off, many states are witnessing an increase in the already-dangerously overpopulated numbers of deer. So, not only will drivers be seeing more deer on the road than in previous months, but they will be seeing more deer on the road than in previous years as well.

October, November and December are the months that drivers are most likely to have a deer-related traffic accident. So, keep these tips in mind as fall turns into winter and the animals flee to the streets:

• Deer are most active between 6 PM and 9 PM. If at all possible, avoid driving in rural or even some suburban areas during this time.
• When driving at night, use your high beams as much as possible. As long as there are no other drivers in front of you, or other legal restrictions, the high beams should be on. This will allow you to see deer as they approach the road from nearby woods.
• Pay attention to DEER CROSSING signs. These signs let drivers know where deer are most active.
• Never drive distracted. Drivers should never drive distracted, whether it’s deer season or not. However, distracted driving is even more likely to result in an accident when it is done on a deer-saturated street.