​Don’t Veer for Deer

Deer-vehicle crashes peak in the autumn months, but Minnesota’s large deer population makes them a safety hazard on the road all year long. Deer crashes are especially dangerous for motorcyclists — a group which accounted for 15 of the 18 vehicle-deer related deaths over a five year period (2016-2020).

• In the last five years (2016–2020) in Minnesota, there were 6,218 deer crashes reported to DPS, resulting in 18 deaths.
• 15 of the 18 deaths were motorcyclists.
• These crashes also resulted in 124 serious injuries, of which 109 were motorcyclists.
  
   Deer Collision Crashes, Fatalities, and Injuries: 2016-2020

Motorist Safety Tips to Avoid Deer Crashes

• Drive at safe speeds and always be buckled up.

• Be especially cautious from 6 - 9 p.m., when deer are most active.

• Use high beams as much as possible at night, especially in deer-active areas.

• Motorists: don’t swerve to avoid a deer. Swerving can cause motorists to lose control and travel off the road or into oncoming traffic.

• Motorcyclists: Avoid night and low-light riding periods. A rider’s best response when encountering a deer is to use both brakes for maximum braking and to keep your eyes and head up to improve your chances of keeping the bike up. If a crash is imminent, and there is enough space to swerve around the deer without leaving the roadway, use maximum braking and just before impact, attempt a swerve in the opposite direction the deer is traveling. Riders are encouraged to wear full face helmets and full protective gear to prevent injury or death in a crash. High visibility gear can assist other driver’s in seeing you better; whether it’s while making an evasive maneuver to avoid a deer or laying on the roadway after impacting a deer.

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

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

• Slow down in areas known to have a large deer population — such as areas where roads divide agricultural fields from forest land; and whenever in 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 an approaching vehicle. Blow horn to urge deer to leave the road. Stop if the deer stays on the road, don’t try to go around it.

• Any Minnesota resident may claim a road-killed animal 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 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.