Be alert.

• Deer are most active between dusk and dawn. Be on high alert when driving from 5:00 p.m. to midnight and 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.
• Deer tend to congregate in wooded areas, field edges, and waterways. Drive cautiously through these locations.
• Use high beams at night whenever possible to boost light reflection in deer eyes.
• Slow down, honk the horn, and tap brakes if you see deer along the roadside. More are probably nearby.
• Minimize driving distractions so you can scan the road for unexpected deer.
• Always wear a seatbelt and insist passengers do the same.

Know how to respond.

• Never swerve to avoid hitting a deer. A sharp turn of the steering wheel may cause you to lose control of the vehicle and crash into a bridge, post, tree, or oncoming car. You may suffer serious injury and sustain major vehicle damage.
• It is better to remain calm, firmly grip the steering wheel, brake steadily, hit the animal head-on, and come to a controlled stop.
• Pull off the road and turn on emergency flashers.
• Check yourself and passengers for injuries. Call 911 to report the crash and request medical help if necessary.
• Stay in your car until help arrives. File a crash report if property damage is over $1,500.