Deer collisions are not always serious accidents. However, it is estimated that almost 200 deaths are caused by over 1 million deer collisions each year. Deer are most active October through December, so seeing deer during the fall is common.
Here are a few tips to staying safe on South Dakota’s roads during peak deer season:
- Drive the speed limit. It is much easier to slow down when you are obeying the speed limits.
- Wear a seatbelt. Wear a seatbelt. This is so important, we’ll say it twice. Plus, it’s also the law in South Dakota.
- Keep control of your vehicle. Swerving to avoid a deer is dangerous. You must keep control of your vehicle at all times.
- Watch for their eyes. Deer have eyes that reflect light, so if you are an attentive driver, you may be able to spot them on the side of the road.
If you are unfortunate enough to hit a deer, stay calm and assess the damage. If you are injured or your car is damaged and undriveable, call 911.
