Watch out for deer on the roadway

From late fall through early winter, deer are more active, so highway officials warn motorists to take precautions to avoid vehicle-deer collisions.

The number of crashes involving deer has been climbing in recent years because of higher deer populations, increased traffic volume and the shrinking of deer habitats due to urban sprawl. November is typically the peak month for crashes because it is the heart of the deer migration and mating season.

The problem is no more apparent than in Illinois and Mississippi, which have two of the highest deer populations in the country. In 2010, Illinois had 17,132 collisions involving deer, including 10 fatal crashes. In 2009, Mississippi had 3,300 vehicle-deer crashes, and the number has been rising.

To reduce the risk of collisions, safety officials offer these tips:

• Watch for deer-crossing signs and drive with caution in posted areas.
• If you see one deer near the road, expect others to follow.
• Drive with extra caution at night, because most crashes occur at dusk, dawn and in darkness.
• Always buckle up and drive at safe, sensible speeds.
• If a collision is inevitable, do not swerve to avoid the deer because it’s better to strike the deer than swerve into traffic or hit a fixed object, like a sign.