Deer are more active this time of year, and you need to be on high alert to avoid a crash.
Minnesota Department of Traffic Safety Director Mike Hanson says you should be especially cautious from 6 to 9 PM…
“It’s rural, it’s even urban. It’s in the cities, it’s on the Township roads, the interstates, the county roads, the highways, it really, it depends on the timing, really. Expect to see a deer just about anywhere and then be prepared for when you do see one, what you’re going to do.”
Hanson says there are several precautions that can be taken as a driver to lessen the chances of striking a deer, but no method is 100 percent fool-proof…
“Traveling at an appropriate speed, leave yourself an out if you can, but in the event you find yourself in a situation where there’s just no way to avoid it, the message is very clear. Don’t veer for deer. That is what makes these types of crashes that much worse.”
Hanson says if you do hit a deer, try to get your vehicle off the road and contact local law enforcement. If someone is hurt or the deer is blocking a part of the roadway, call 911.
