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eye reflections

A cautious driver, aware of the potential presence of wildlife, will peer for deer along the side of the road. Switch on the headlights of your vehicle, as deer's eyes may reflect brightly. Often, the glowing reflection of a deer's eyes may be a driver's only means of spotting him or her.

If you drive with passengers in your vehicle, it's a good idea to enlist them as deer watchers as well. The more deer spotters you can round up, the better your chances are of spotting deer before it's too late.

Piloting to Prevent a Collision with a Deer

What if you simply do not spot a deer in time? What can you do, if a deer suddenly appears, right in the path of your vehicle?

Should you swerve out of the way? Although this may be a driver's first impulse, it may not be the best choice. All too often, a driver may jerk the steering wheel to miss a deer and wind up hitting a telephone pole, a tree or even another vehicle instead.

If space permits, certainly steering away from a deer may be the safest course.

Most often, however, a driver must brake suddenly instead. Do you have traditional or anti-lock brakes on your car? Traditional brakes must be pumped, while anti-lock brakes may be pressed steadily.

Practicing Before a Deer Encounter Takes Place

Prevention is always a smart safety practice. All rural drivers, particularly beginning drivers, ought to rehearse sudden stops in a safe spot, such as an empty parking lot.

Pretend a deer has darted in front of your vehicle, or designate a passenger to call out. "Deer!"
Practice stopping quickly. See how long it takes for your car or truck to come to a complete stop.

Products to Prevent Deer Collisions

Country supply catalogs feature deer deterrent devices, which are supposed to prevent deer from approaching moving vehicles. Most of these are small fan-like gadgets, which are affixed to the back bumper (usually the trailer hitch) of a car or truck.

We have tried these products in the past and been somewhat disappointed with the results. Driver vigilance is a much more consistent protection against traffic collisions with deer.

Learn more about this author, Linda Ann Nickerson.
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