Obviously, collisions are bad for the deer, but they they can also be devastating for humans.Also, deer are not the only animals that can cause collisions. Depending on where you live, you may need to watch out for raccoons, turkeys, and groundhogs.

Here are some tips that might help you avoid a collision with a deer:

Use extra caution in known deer zones. Be alert and drive slowly when traveling through marked deer-crossing zones. Deer may appear near busy roads in cities and suburbs, not just in rural areas. They can be unpredictable and may suddenly dart into traffic if startled by lights, sounds, or unexpected movements.

Proceed with caution. Deer travel in groups, so if you see one, watch closely for others that may be nearby. Using your high-beam headlights at night may help you spot the eyes of a deer on or near the road.

Drive defensively. If a deer appears in your path, brake firmly but try not to swerve. Staying in your lane may help you avoid hitting another car or losing control of your vehicle. If you hit a deer, stop and check your car for damage if you can do so safely. However, it’s best to stay away from an injured animal that could try to harm you because it’s frightened. Call 9-1-1 if the deer is injured, blocking the roadway, or poses a danger to other motorists. The police will call the proper authorities about the deer. You may also need to fill out a police report.

Use common safety sense. The same precautions that apply to all driving situations might protect you in a deer collision. Sixty percent of people who did not survive crashes involving animals were not wearing seatbelts. Sixty-five percent of motorcycle riders who died were not wearing helmets.7

Don’t swerve for small animals. Many small animals might wander onto the road, too, such as skunks, squirrels, rabbits and domestic dogs and cats. It’s natural to want to swerve to avoid any animal in the road, but remember that swerving may put yourself, your passengers, and other motorists in danger.