In a typical year, Iowa drivers report thousands of vehicle collisions with deer. It seems that any season is deer season and because of their increased activity deer-vehicle accidents happen all year long. Evening and dawn are the most likely times for deer- vehicle collisions.
The following information and precautionary tactics are provided to help you avoid collisions with deer:
- Don’t swerve to avoid the animal. Swerving may cause you to loose control of your car.
- Drive at or below posted speed limits in areas where deer crossing signs are posted and in agricultural areas
- When driving at night, use your high beam headlights when your not in high traffic areas. This will provide an earlier warning to you.
- Deer usually travel in groups and in single file. If you see one, most likely there are others following.
If you do strike a deer and stop your car. Keep your distance from the animal and call the local law enforcement agency or the Iowa Highway Patrol.