Indiana State Police release tips and tricks to avoid deer in the roadway

INDIANAPOLIS — Deer mating season is underway in Indiana, and that means drivers may see a buck or doe on the roads during their daily commutes.

According to Indiana State Police, more than 17,000 crashes involving deer were reported in Indiana last year. Of those crashes, 707 left people injured. Nine people were killed in crashes involving deer in Indiana last year.

To help keep drivers safe as deer mating season reaches its peak from October to December, Indiana State Police’s Putnamville Post released a list of tips and tricks motorists can use to avoid collisions with deer.

Be cautious while driving at dawn or dusk

Deer are most active at dawn and dusk, according to ISP. During those hours of the day, motorists should ensure their seat belts are fastened in case they need to make a sudden stop because a deer has jumped out in front of them on the road.

ISP also encouraged drivers to understand that, while deer are most active at dawn and dusk, they can appear in the roadway at any time.

Pay attention to deer crossing sign

Deer crossing signs are posted in certain spots for a reason. Hot spots like forested areas are often places where deer are known to cross the road, and thus, deer crossing signs are placed there.

When motorists see a deer crossing sign, they should be alert and try to observe their surroundings carefully. In forested areas that aren’t marked as deer crossing zones, drivers should still be vigilant and watch out for deer.

Stay alert if you spot a deer

Deer often travel in groups, according to ISP. If drivers spot one deer, they should slow down and be prepared to see additional deer close by.

ISP encourages motorists who see deer to flash their lights and sound their horns to alert other drivers of the animals’ presence.

Take precautions when driving at night

If there’s no oncoming traffic in a motorist’s path, that motorist should turn their brights on at night. Brighter headlights will help illuminate the road in front of drivers and increase their chances of seeing a deer before they strike one at night.

Don’t swerve to avoid hitting a deer

ISP is urging motorists not to swerve to avoid a collision with a deer this fall. State police indicated that swerving around a deer can actually be riskier than hitting a deer.

By swerving to try to avoid a deer, drivers open themselves up to the possibility of hitting a car in another lane, which can cause a more serious crash. If a deer enters a driver’s path, that driver should brake firmly and stay in their lane, per ISP.

Report collisions between deer and vehicles

While a deer might not have insurance, it’s still important for drivers to call their local police departments when they strike a deer. Police can create crash reports for drivers to present to their insurance companies.

“Remember, deer are unpredictable and could dart into traffic at any time,” ISP Putnamville Post Sgt. Matt Ames wrote in a press release. “So be alert at all times. Indiana State Police Putnamville wants everyone to buckle up and hopes that everyone travels safely during this time of year.”