Deer cause 1,500 car accidents every year

Deer cause 1,500 car accidents every year. While this may seem like a small number, it's actually a greater population of deer-vehicle collisions than any other animal. In fact, there are more collisions involving deer than there are those involving cars and motorcycles combined!

What can you do to protect yourself from deer while driving? One thing you can do is be extra alert in the fall and winter months, when deer are most active. Another is to be aware of the signs that deer may be present on or near the road. These include:

-A herd of deer crossing the road

-Deer standing near the edge of the road

-Deer carcasses on or near the road

If you see any of these signs, use extreme caution and be prepared to stop quickly. Also, remember that deer travel in packs, so if you see one deer near the road, there's a good chance others are close by.

If you do hit a deer while driving, stay calm and follow these steps:

1) Stop your car as quickly and safely as possible. Do not try to go around the deer – it may still be alive and could end up causing further damage to your car.

2) Turn on your hazard lights. This will make your vehicle more visible to other drivers.

3) If possible, move your car off the road. If you can't move it, turn on your flashers to warn other drivers.

4) Call 911 if anyone is injured or if there is significant damage to your car. Be sure to give them your location and let them know if there are any animals still on or near the road.

Bambi effect: Deer populations on the rise

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reports an explosion in deer populations throughout the state, a phenomenon they've dubbed the "Bambi effect."

The population of white-tailed deer in Wisconsin has exploded to over 1 million, up from just over 300,000 in the early 2000s. The DNR says the increase is due to a reduction in hunting pressure, mild winters and good habitat conditions.

Rick Vojtik, a deer ecologist with the DNR, says the increase is causing problems for farmers and homeowners. "Deer are eating crops and damaging landscapes," he said. "And they are being hit by cars more often as they move into suburban and urban areas."

Vojtik said the deer population will have to be stabilized through regulated hunting to prevent further damage to crops and landscapes.

Deer darting in front of cars: A leading cause of accidents

Deer darting in front of cars is a common cause of accidents, especially during the fall when deer are mating. Many drivers aren't familiar with how to react when they encounter a deer in the road.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, there are around 1.5 million car accidents involving deer every year in the United States. This results in about 150 deaths and $1.1 billion in vehicle damage.

The best way to avoid an accident is to be aware of your surroundings and be prepared for the unexpected. When you see a deer on or near the road, slow down and use caution. If you can't avoid hitting the deer, try to hit it in the shoulder rather than the head or neck.

If you do hit a deer, stay calm and call the police. Don't try to move the deer yourself - you could get injured. And remember, if your car is damaged in an accident with a deer, always contact your insurance company.

How to avoid deer collisions this fall

The fall season is one of the most beautiful times of year, but it's also a time when motorists need to be extra careful on the road. That's because deer are on the move, and they can often be unpredictable.

If you know how to look out for deer and take some preventative steps, you can hopefully avoid a collision with these animals. Here are some tips:

• Be especially aware at dusk and dawn, when deer are most active.

• Use high beams when possible, as this will help you see deer sooner.

• Keep an eye out for areas where deer might cross the road – these include forest edges, agricultural land, and power line right-of-ways.

• If you see a deer in your headlights, slow down and give yourself plenty of time to stop. Don't swerve to avoid it – this could actually cause an accident.

If you do hit a deer, here are some things to keep in mind:

• Pull off the road as far as possible and turn on your hazard lights.

• Call 911 if there is any damage or injury. Do not move the deer if it is injured.

• Take photos of the scene and the deer if possible. This can help authorities determine what happened.

Deer are literally running into trouble

In parts of the country, deer are literally running into trouble.

The problem? They're running into cars.

According to a study published in the journal "PLoS One," vehicle-deer collisions have increased in recent years as deer populations have boomed. In Virginia, for example, the number of reported collisions more than doubled between 1995 and 2007.

And it's not just a problem in Virginia. Across the United States, an estimated 1.5 million vehicle-deer collisions occur each year, resulting in about 200 deaths and tens of thousands of injuries.

So what's causing all these accidents?

There are a few factors at work here. For one, deer populations have been growing in many parts of the country as habitats have been expanding and hunting regulations have been loosening. And as deer populations have grown, so too has the amount of time that drivers are spending on roads where deer are likely to be present.

But something else is going on too. With so many people moving to suburbs and rural areas, we're increasingly coming into contact with these animals — sometimes with deadly consequences. As one expert put it: "The increasing number of people living near forested areas and interacting closely with deer is probably exacerbating the problem."

Still, there are ways to reduce your chances of hitting a deer while driving. For starters, always be alert for deer when you're driving, particularly during dusk and dawn when they're most active. If you see one on or near the road, slow down and give it plenty of room; don't swerve to avoid it unless you have to because you might end up hitting something else. Finally, use caution when driving through areas where deer are known to be common — like forests or rural areas — especially if it's dark outside.