Seven Ways to Not Hit A Deer in Minnesota
This is the worst time of the year for car-deer crashes in Minnesota, so here are some proven ways that will help you avoid hitting one with your vehicle this fall.
I'd previously posted the results of a yearly survey by State Farm Insurance that show Minnesota is ranked 7th out of all 50 states when it comes to the likelihood of hitting a deer. (In fact, that survey says we have about a 1 in 74 chance of hitting a deer!)
And, November is the peak time for Minnesota drivers to hit a deer. And, in addition to the potential for injury, hitting a deer can be expensive, too. (And, not very fun for the deer, either.) The survey says the average cost of hitting a deer with your car is now just over $4,100!
The Minnesota Department of Transportation has put together seven tips to use when behind the wheel here in the Land of 10,000 Lakes that can hopefully help you avoid a car-deer crash.
Drive at safe speeds and always be buckled up.
Be especially cautious from 6 - 9 p.m., when deer are most active.
Use high beams as much as possible at night, especially in deer-active areas.
Motorists: don’t swerve to avoid a deer. Swerving can cause motorists to lose control and travel off the road or into oncoming traffic.
Don’t count on deer whistles or deer fences to deter deer from crossing roads.
Watch for the reflection of deer eyes and for deer silhouettes on the shoulder of the road. If anything looks slightly suspicious, slow down.
Slow down in areas known to have a large deer population — such as areas where roads divide agricultural fields from forest land; and whenever in forested areas between dusk and dawn.