As the weather cools and the leaves begin to change colors, the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) wants to remind motorists to be extra cautious on the roads. Fall means deer become more active, increasing the risk of vehicle collisions.
Whitetail deer hunting season kicks off in October, and one reason for increased vehicle collisions with deer during the fall and winter months is that deer are more active due to the start of their breeding season. While most activity happens at dusk and dawn, deer can be spotted anytime. Drivers should be especially vigilant during these peak hours to avoid accidents. According to research from Mississippi State University, wildlife-vehicle collisions are more likely to occur between 7:00 p.m. and midnight and between 4:00 and 7:00 a.m. Many animals are active right at dusk and dawn, and light levels are low, sometimes making spotting deer more difficult.
ALDOT offers these tips to help you stay safe:
- Drive Defensively: Be alert and scan road shoulders for deer, especially when headlights from oncoming vehicles illuminate the sides. Consider how you’ll react if you see a deer: slow down, brake firmly, or turn down high beams.
- Don’t Swerve: If a deer appears suddenly, brake firmly but stay in your lane. Swerving can cause serious accidents with oncoming traffic or loss of vehicle control.
- Deer Travel in Groups: If you see one deer, there are likely more nearby. Be extra cautious near water sources like creeks, swamps, or wetlands bordering roadways.
- Slow Down and Buckle Up: Always obey speed limits and wear your seatbelt – it’s your best defense in any crash.
