There are many signs that fall is here and the seasons are changing.  Along with the falling temps and leaves comes the annual mating cycle that brings deer out from the woods and into the roadways.  The Minnesota Department of Transportation is calling for drivers to slow down and stay alert for deer crossing the roadways around our state - especially here in the Northland.

November is the peak-month for deer-vehicle collisions and according to MNDOT there are things you can do to help prevent some of these crashes:

  • Be extra alert if driving in the early morning and evening hours when deer are especially on the move.  Deer are looking for bedding sites and food at those times of the day.
  • Slow down and scan both sides of the road.  Keep your eyes trained on the horizon for animals - especially when on highways with wooded areas near the pavement and shoulder.
  • Observe deer-crossing signs and warnings.  MNDOT marks highways in areas where there have been an extra-ordinary amount of deer crossings and sightings.
  • Don't swerve to avoid a deer.  While it seems counter-intuitive, it's actually safer this way.  If you swerve, you can lose control of your vehicle or put yourself in the path of another oncoming car.  Striking a deer is safer than colliding with another vehicle or a tree.  Stay in your lane and apply the brakes.

More From Sasquatch 92.1 FM