Summer is finally here. With the return of summer, also comes an influx of people traveling and increase in motor vehicles on the roadways. Because of the increase amount of drivers on the roadways, it is important for drivers to ensure that they are practicing safe driving to help keep themselves and others safe on the roadways. One thing that also seems to increase with summer is the amount of deer that are being hit by vehicles. Because of the increased traffic, it is important that drivers also be on the look out for deer.

Because collisions with deer can cause both injuries and property damage, it is important that drivers be vigilant to help ensure that they do not hit one of the animals while they are crossing the roadways. The following are some tips to help avoid a collision with the deer.

• Pay special attention to the sides of the roadways during sunset to midnight and shortly before and after sunrise. These are the hours of the day when deer are most active, therefore it is when a collision with a deer is most likely to occur.
• Know that deer usually do not run alone. If you see one deer, there is a good chance that there will be other deer and you should be on the look out for them.
• If you see a deer in the roadway, you should slow down and blow you horn. By giving your horn one long blast, you can likely frighten the deer out of the roadway.
• Always wear your seatbelt. Wearing a seatbelt helps to prevent injuries in case of an collision.

By following these tips, you can help to keep the roadways safer for yourself, others and deer. By having safer roadways, accidents that cause injuries and property damage can be prevented.