Watching for the white tails: tips to avoid deer collisions Published Oct. 22, 2008 By Rod Krause 5th Bomb Wing Ground Safety manager MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Fall and winter seasons are the most common time for a person to hit a deer while driving. This is mainly because it is the time of year deer are out looking for food to prepare for the upcoming cold weather. As with any other type of automobile accident, there are several ways to avoid hitting a deer. The steady increase in North Dakota's deer population has been felt by both drivers' vehicles and drivers' pocketbooks across the state. Vehicle mishaps involving deer strikes have steadily increased 34 percent since 2000. In 2007, there were 4,118 mishaps in North Dakota that involved deer, with 43 people injured and two people killed. Typically, November has the highest number of deer strikes. In 2007, there were approximately 31 strikes per day that month. "Drivers should always wear a seatbelt whether driving on a highway or a rural road, and need to be especially vigilant during the early morning and evening hours," said Linda Butts, N.D. Department of Transportation deputy director of driver and vehicle services. Deer strikes occur most often between 7 and 8 a.m., and in the evening from 6 to 10 p.m. The following are tips to avoid hitting a deer while driving: Slow down To avoid hitting a deer, the first thing one can do is slow down while driving. Driving slower allows for more time to react to a deer crossing the road. Following the speed limit or driving lower than the speed limit in areas where deer have been spotted frequently, is one of the best ways to avoid hitting a deer. Use high beams It is important to use high beams in areas where deer enjoy hiding out, such as secluded back roads or wooded areas. The reason using high beams is likely to help prevent hitting a deer is because a driver is able to see further away than with normal headlights alone. This will give a driver more time to react and to be aware of the fact that a deer is crossing the road in front of them. Avoid distractions One of the best ways to prevent hitting a deer is to avoid distractions. This includes talking on a cell phone or fumbling with the CD player while driving. As with any other type of car accident, a driver has less time, if any, to react to a situation when they have too many distractions. If a driver really wants to avoid deer this winter, they must give themselves the extra reaction time needed to react. These are just some of the things a driver can do to prevent hitting a deer. Unfortunately, there are situations in which hitting a deer is entirely unavoidable. If a driver feels they are about to hit a deer, the best thing to do is just hit it. The main reason is because more injuries and deaths occur in those who choose to swerve -- ultimately finding themselves wrapped around a tree, telephone poll or even another vehicle. Although the car may have some damage, it is likely the injuries following a deer strike will not be half as bad as if the driver had swerved. If a driver hits a deer, they must contact local law enforcement to report the crash if the damage is over $1,000. They should remove the deer to the side of the roadway if it is safe to do so. If the driver is unable to, law enforcement will move the deer. If the deer is a traffic hazard and can't be moved to the side of the road and law enforcement isn't involved, either the NDDOT district office at 837-7625, or North Dakota State Radio at 1-800-472-2121 should be contacted so arrangements can be made to remove it. For more information on avoiding deer or vehicle safety, contact 5th BW Safety at 723-2259.