North Dakota Ranks 11th in Vehicle-Deer Collisions | Video

Amy Fox | 10/24/2012

As you drive down the highway, you may not pay much attention to deer crossing signs. Next month, you may think twice.

“This time of year, November, is the highest month for deer collisions and that’s because of the hunting season,” said NDOT Assistant Minot District Engineer Bob Allen.

Deer crossing signs are usually found near wooded areas warning driver’s deer could cross at any time.

"If it runs across in front of you, be prepared to see another one,” said Allen. “You don`t know, there could be another one right behind it."

As Allen explains, bright headlights can distract deer, leaving them confused.

"Break firmly, but don`t swerve to avoid it."

Every day, around eight motor vehicle-deer crashes occur in North Dakota.

"Our folks pick up on the average of 465 dead within a 25 mile radius of Minot a year and that`s only the ones that are hit and are on the highway," said Allen.

In 2011, there were fewer than 3,000 vehicle-deer crashes throughout the state. With the same deer population expected this year, the North Dakota Department of Transportation is encouraging drivers to use caution when they see a deer crossing sign.

"Slow down at night,” said Allen. “The speed limit may be 65 or 70, but your reaction time, you want to be able to see the deer as quick as in the day time and they are moving more at night."

In addition to reducing your speed and using high beam headlights, some drivers are turning to grille guards.

"With just the added protection we can go and say hit an animal and keep on going down the road and keep up with that productivity," said David Randall, Wallwork Truck Center.

In addition to deer, the DOT reports an increased amount of road kill, like skunks along the highways.

Randall says grille guards cost around $3,000, but it could save your vehicle in a deer collision.

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