It’s deer season, which means millions of four-legged animals will be roaming the woods and occasionally wandering into the streets, causing vehicular accidents. Every year, around one million collisions occur between deer and vehicles, so our fleet fuel card company decided to create a guide on how to avoid one while you’re out on the road:
Look for company
When you see a deer, slow down. When there’s one there are usually more, so keep your eyes open for others. You never know what they may do.
Be wary at dusk and dawn
Deer are often on the move at sunrise and sunset, so pay close attention and drive carefully during these times. Also remember that our eyes have a more difficult time adjusting to the light at dawn and dusk.
Know the other lane
If you’re driving on a two-lane road, always pay attention to the other lane: If you see a deer, only swerve to avoid it if there are no other cars that you may hit. Otherwise, you’re better off hitting the deer, as a crash involving another car can be more serious and more complicated.
Get enough sleep
Fleet drivers are often on the road for long periods of time, so make sure you get enough sleep to be alert while you’re driving. Also get a healthy intake of vitamins and minerals to give your body energy.
Don’t speed
Speeding is not only against the law, but it makes stopping for a deer in the road even harder and could make a collision worse. Keep yourself and the other drivers on the road safe by obeying the speed limit.
Use your high beams
When you’re the only one on the road, use your high beams. You’ll be able to see farther and the brightness of the high beams will light up a deer’s eyes better than normal headlights.
Scope out your route
If you’re driving a route that you’ve never driven before, scope it out and make notes of where you may encounter deer (look for fields and woods along the sides of the road). You’ll be more prepared on a journey you’re unfamiliar with.
Maintain your brakes
Make sure your vehicle has good brakes at all times. With bad rotors or worn brake pads, you won’t be able to stop as suddenly and you’ll have a greater risk of colliding with a deer.
If you do get into an accident…
Call 9-1-1 to report the incident and follow your fleet guidelines for reporting collisions. Also, don’t try to move the deer to the side of the road or attend to it – let the professionals handle the animal.
