Watch Out for Deer When Behind the Wheel

DULUTH, Minn. — Every Monday, MNDOT puts out a public safety message on its electronic message boards found along highways and interstates. A recent safety tip reminded us of what to do should we encounter a deer while behind the wheel.

While some people go out hunting for deer in the forest, others find them unintentionally on or near roadways.  If you do encounter a deer while driving, the Minnesota Department of Transportation is reminding us to not veer for deer. Unintended consequences from swerving can be worse than accepting fate.

“Of course we don’t want to hit an animal, but it’s better to hit an animal than hurt yourself,” said MNDOT traffic engineer Jim Miles.

Miles says that despite the risk of personal injury that comes with hitting a deer, slowing down while maintaining control of your vehicle will still likely produce a better outcome than swerving.

“It’s probably our normal inclination to swerve for a deer, or swerve for some animal in the road, but that’s really not your best option. In fact, we want you to not swerve for that deer because most of us aren’t capable or very good drivers at high speeds and swerving deer is more than likely going to cause us to lose control of our vehicle and have something far worse happen,” said Miles

Deer can also be unpredictable, so even if you were to swerve, there is a chance it decides to move in front of you anyway.

The most active time for deer wandering near roads is during the fall months, particularly early in the morning and the hours surrounding dusk. It is also likely that if you see a deer, there are more nearby. Miles emphasized the importance of being alert as a driver.

“It’s one of the most dangerous things you’re going to be doing each day is driving. So anything you can do to make yourself safer is a good thing,” said Miles

However, there are times when it is better to swerve to avoid an animal such as riding a motorcycle or encountering a moose.  The long legs of a moose will likely put the point of impact on your windshield instead of your bumper, increasing the likelihood of a fatal outcome.

If you do end up hitting a deer or other animal in either Minnesota or Wisconsin, there are provisions for you to be able to collect the carcass which you can discuss with a law enforcement officer.