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When the season of autumn arrives a few months from now, it will mark 20 years since I've become a resident of Wisconsin. During this time, I have been fortunate enough to have never collided with a deer while driving. There is no question that luck has been on my side, but I've learned some tips along the way that have helped to avoid such an accident.

While deer can be found just about anywhere in the United States (and elsewhere, for that matter), Wisconsin is heavily populated with the species; most notably the white-tailed variety. When I first arrived in this state in 1989, many new acquaintances warned me about colliding with these animals on the highway. Indeed, to this day, it seems as though every other person I've talked to has experienced such an encounter at one time or another. Wisconsin has an abundance of forests, and deer prefer living in these areas. This is not to say that they can't be spotted trotting through residential settings, for they certainly can. However you slice it, I've been told by lifelong Wisconsinites that if you live here long enough, hitting a deer is inevitable. I have therefore decided to share a few tips on how to minimize the chances of such an occurence.

First and foremost, it is important to know when deer are most likely to be running across roadways. During times of twilight; just before sunrise or sunset, they will tend to stray more from their surroundings in search of food. When driving, it becomes advisable to reduce your speed. This time of day not only is a hindrance to visibility, but should a deer appear in your headlights, you will have more time to stop. In addition to looking for their next meal, deer will also roam beyond their sanctuary of home for mating purposes; especially in the spring and fall months. Do not take any roadside reflectors for granted. What you very well may be seeing are the whites of a deer's eyes. If this turns out to be the case, it is also prudent to realize that deer rarely travel alone. If you see one, then there are probably two or three others right behind it. Other than that, there are "whistling" devices that can be placed on your car or truck's radio antenna that are designed to thwart deer from approaching. I have personally never used one, but it couldn't hurt.

Let's suppose that despite taking these precautions, a deer has sprung up seemingly out of nowhere and now there is no way to avoid a collision. Although it will involve making a split-second decision, try not to panic. Make an attempt to turn the steering wheel so that the vehicle will hit the deer at a corner angle. The reasoning behind this is as follows: if you hit a deer straight-on, its proportionally thin legs will buckle underneath the body, and you'll have a 250-300 pound animal headed right for your windshield. Sadly, this is how people are killed in such collisions. If you can manage to hit the deer from an angle so that your fender is what makes contact as opposed to the front of the vehicle, the deer will simply fly to the side of the road. You may be shaken up, but you'll be alive.

When driving through locations where deer populations thrive, it is wise to be aware of the possible consequences. Keep a watchful eye out, and be prepared for anything.

Learn more about this author, Patrick Sills.
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