• October 25th, 2016

Motor vehicle crashes involving deer typically peak during the fall months in North Carolina, and the state’s most recent crash data indicate that trend continued in 2015. Last year more than half of all deer-related crashes in North Carolina happened in October, November, December and January.

The UNC Highway Safety Research Center offers the following tips for lowering risk of a crash with a deer:

  • Always wear a seat belt. Proper restraint offers the best protection from injuries in the event of a crash.
  • Slow down. Drivers should reduce speed in areas with large deer populations, such as wooded or farmland areas, and particularly where deer warning signs are posted.
  • Maintain control of your vehicle. It is important to not lose control of your vehicle or weer into the path of an oncoming vehicle to avoid contact with an animal. Loss of control usually results in a more serious crash. It is safer to hit the deer while maintaining control than hitting another vehicle.