Look for deer while driving

With the days getting shorter and white-tail deer entering their annual rut, be especially alert while driving to avoid collisions with the animals. While deer may cross roads at any time, they are most active during the dawn and dusk hours, according to wildlife officials. Deer migrate and mate during the fall months. In many instances, deer will wander closer to roads and may literally stop in the middle of a road, cross over and then re-cross. If you spot a deer, slow down and pay attention to sudden movement. If the deer doesn’t move, don’t go around it. Wait until the road is clear. And if you spot one deer, be alert for others. If you are traveling after dark, use high beams where there is no on-coming traffic. High beams will illuminate the eyes of deer on or near roads and provide better reaction time for a motorist. Here’s some tips for driving during deer season: * Don’t tailgate. Remember: the driver in front of you might have to stop suddenly to avoid hitting a deer. * Always wear a seat belt, as required by law. And drive at a safe, sensible speed for conditions. * If it appears you are going to collide with a deer, don’t swerve to avoid impact. The animal may counter-maneuver. Brake firmly, but stay in your lane. Fatalities are more likely when a driver swerves to avoid a deer and instead, collides with oncoming traffic or a permanent structure in the road. * You should report any deer-vehicle collision to a local law enforcement agency immediately.