Tips to avoid deer/car collisions

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - The NYS Thruway Authority is reminding motorists to be on the lookout for deer as the animals become more active.

The majority of deer/vehicle collisions occur between October through December, and the Thruway Authority offers these tips to help motorists avoid an accident:

• Deer are more active during evening, dusk and dawn.
• Scan shoulders of the roadside for deer eyes reflecting light.
• Using high beams and sounding horn may help to repel deer, but won’t necessarily prevent a collision.
• Slow down when approaching deer standing at the roadside, as they may run into oncoming traffic.
• Always wear your seatbelt.
• Deer often move in groups. Where there’s one, there may be more.
• If you see a deer, brake firmly. The most serious vehicle-deer accidents occur when drivers veer at high speeds, and strike another vehicle or go off the road.
• Never swerve to avoid hitting a deer. This can confuse deer and possibly cause them to go into the roadway.
• If you are involved in a vehicle-deer collision, do not attempt to approach or touch the deer.

More than 2,200 people hit a deer along the thruway in 2011. If it happens to you, call 911 or the Thruway Authority's emergency number: 1-800-842-2233