How To Avoid Hitting a Deer With Your Car

When a Gwinnett County driver struck a deer late Wednesday night, it had tragic consequences.

Eleven-year-old Andrew Caymol was riding with his father when another vehicle, that had collided with a deer, swerved and struck their car head-on, killing Andrew and seriously injuring everyone else in the wreck.

Sadly, deer-related accidents aren’t rare this time of year.

Although it’s December, it’s technically still fall. And fall is prime breeding season for deer all across Georgia.

Vehicle collisions with deer increase during “rutting season” because white-tailed deer are moving around more than usual looking for mates, said researcher James Stickles in a press release from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

The peak of rutting season can be anywhere from October to December, depending on the part of the state you’re in, Stickles said.

We rounded up information from the press release and other sources for this list of safety tips for driving in areas where deer may run into the road:

• Be more careful at night time. Deer are the most active between dusk and dawn, according to researcher Bob Warren, a University of Georgia professor.
• Always drive at no more than the posted speed limit.
• Scan for “eye shine” along the side of the road. Car headlights will cause a deer’s eyes to appear to light up.
• Always wear your safety belt. Police don’t believe Andrew Caymol was wearing a safety belt at the time of Wednesday night’s wreck.
• If you see one deer, stay alert. Deer very rarely travel alone and, if you see one, another may be on its way.
• Be aware of posted “Deer Crossing” signs. Those signs aren’t random. They’re posted at places with high densities of deer nearby.
• When traffic permits, use your high-beams to more easily spot deer further away.
• If you spot a deer in the road, slow down and flash your lights. Steady, bright lights can cause deer to freeze in place.
• If you think you’re about to hit a deer, slow down and keep two hands on the wheel. Do not swerve to try to avoid it. Swerving is more likely to cause you to lose control of the vehicle.
• Take your foot off of the brake at the moment of impact. This reduces the likelihood of the deer crashing through a windshield or window.