Risk for deer-vehicle collision increases

ST. PAUL - Fall is breeding season for deer in Minnesota, and that means an animal’s date with a mate can turn deadly for deer and motorists. All motorists need to be alert because more deer are on the move - but motorcyclists are at the greatest risk.
Seventeen of Minnesota’s 18 deer-vehicle crash fatalities from 2011 to 2013 were motorcyclists, according the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. Of the 7,010 deer-vehicle crashes reported to the department during those three years, there were 68 serious injuries, of which 64 were motorcyclists.
“Deer and vehicles sharing the road can be a dangerous combination,” said Lt. Eric Roeske of the Minnesota State Patrol in a media release. “Seeing a dead deer on the shoulder is a familiar sight in Minnesota. It’s a reminder, as we enjoy the fall season, to stay alert and stay safe by scanning for deer moving across the road.”
General motorist safety tips
• Watch for deer during dawn and dusk - when most deer-vehicle crashes occur.
• Deer are herd animals. If you see one, there are likely more in the area.
• Don’t veer for deer. It’s safer to hit the deer than to head into oncoming traffic or off the road.
• Deer are unpredictable. Slow down, blow your horn and stop if the deer stays on the road.
Motorcyclist safety tips
• Only ride during daylight hours and avoid dusk and dawn.
• If encountering a deer, use both brakes to stop.
• If a crash is imminent and enough space exists to get around the deer without leaving the roadway, use maximum braking and just before impact, attempt to swerve around the deer in the opposite direction the deer is traveling.
• Keep head and eyes up to improve chances of keeping the bike up if a crash is about to occur.
• Wear full protective gear including a DOT-approved helmet.