I was wondering what is the best action to take when encountering a deer on the highway while traveling.

Answer: Excellent question! Deer-vehicle crashes peak in the autumn months, but Minnesota’s large deer population make them a safety hazard all year long. Deer crashes are especially dangerous for motorcyclists – a group which accounted for 16 of the 19 vehicle-deer related deaths over the last three years. Each situation when meeting a deer on the highway is different and common sense should prevail. But in most situations, an important tip for drivers is to never veer for deer – swerving can take motorists into oncoming traffic or off the road.

Motorists Safety Tips for Deer:

– Drive at safe speeds and always buckle up.

– Motorists: don’t swerve to avoid a deer. Swerving can cause motorists to lose control and travel off the road or into oncoming traffic. The best defense is to buckle up and brake.

– Motorcyclists: a rider’s best response when encountering a deer is to slow down quickly and drive carefully around the animal at low speed. Riders are encouraged to wear helmets and high visibility protective gear to prevent injury or death in a crash.

– Don’t count on deer whistles or deer fences to deter deer from crossing roads.

– Watch for the reflection of deer eyes and deer silhouettes on the shoulder of the road. If anything looks slightly suspicious, slow down.

– Slow down in known areas to have a large deer population – where deer-crossing signs are posted; places where deer commonly cross roads; areas where roads divide agricultural fields from forest land; and whenever is forested areas between dusk and dawn.

– Deer do unpredictable things – they stop in the middle of the road when crossing; cross and quickly re-cross back; and move toward and approaching vehicle. Blow your horn to urge deer to leave the road. Stop if the deer stays on the road, don’t try to go around it. But be aware of vehicles that are approaching from behind. Especially on hills, curves, and other blind spots.

– Any Minnesota resident my claim a road-kill animal by contacting by contacting a law enforcement officer. An authorization permit will be issued allowing the individual to lawfully possess the deer.

– If a deer is struck but not killed by a vehicle, keep a safe distance as deer may recover and move on. If a deer does not move on, or poses a public safety risk, report the incident to a DNR conservation officer or other local law enforcement agency.

If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota send your questions to Trp. Jesse Grabow – Minnesota State Patrol at 1000 Highway 10 West, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501-2205. (Or reach him at, jesse.grabow@state.mn.us)