How to Avoid Hitting a Deer
Righteous Rides loans vans to missionaries back from overseas to visit family and donors. Even though they have been out of the country for a long time, they are arguably some of the most cautious drivers on the road. But… they still get into their fair share of run-ins with deer. A few tips for them… and for you.
Tips
- Don’t Drive. Ok… that may not be practical, but it may be the only real way of how to avoid hitting a deer.
…So if you must drive:
- Slow down and pay very close attention during peak hours. Deer tend to be moving most right after sunset (till midnight) and also in the early morning hours just before and after sunrise.
- If you see a deer crossing sign, use extreme caution. You should be especially cautious in these zones and also along roads that divide farm fields from wooded areas.
- Use your horn. If you see a deer, slow down and blow your horn with one long blast to frighten the deer away.
- Watch out for the other guy. Deer seldom travel alone so if you see one, expect to see more.
- Use your high beams. The high beams will better illuminate the eyes of deer on or near the roadway.
- Don’t swerve to avoid the deer. Apply your brakes firmly, but stay in your lane. Serving may avoid the deer but cause a more serious accident.
- Always wear your seat belt. Most people injured in car-deer crashes were not wearing their seat belt.
- If you hit a deer, don’t touch the animal. A wounded deer can hurt you or further injure itself. Your best bet is to get your car off the road, if possible, and call the police.
- In the event a deer damages your car contact your insurance agent or company representative (call Righteous Rides if you’re driving one of our missionary vans) to report the incident.
Hope this was helpful for you. Read a story about one our missionaries and their run-in with a deer here.