Driving through rural Pennsylvania can be challenging – especially once deer mating season gets started.
While peak breeding season doesn’t occur until sometime around November, there is typically increased mating activity among white-tailed deer as early as September. That means that drivers who find themselves on rural roads need to be increasingly cautious. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:
Stay alert during peak times
Deer are most likely to be on the move around dawn and dusk, and those low-light conditions make it difficult to see them. If you’re in a rural area, reduce your speed and watch for “deer crossing” signs that denote frequent animal activity.
Use your lights judiciously
Don’t be afraid to use your high beams when you’re in a rural area to increase visibility. That can make it easier to spot deer by the reflection in their eyes, too. (Just remember to dim your lights when you see other drivers approaching, so that you don’t inadvertently blind them.)
Don’t swerve if a deer appears
As difficult as it may be to fight your instincts, don’t swerve if a deer suddenly appears directly in your path. It’s safer to put on the brakes and hope the deer will bolt – or even hit the deer – than to cross the center line and end up in a head-on collision with another vehicle or lose control of your car and go over the hill.
The potential for an accident with another driver who is also trying to avoid deer in the road is also very real, so be on your best “defensive driving” behavior. If you do end up involved in a car accident this fall, prioritize your wellbeing first – and your options for fair compensation second.