Unless you live in the concrete arena of a large city, you have probably had a close call or two with a deer in the road. With an adult deer typically weighing between 100 and 300 pounds, having one in your path can not only be dangerous, but deadly. Because they are so widely proficient in the U.S., here are some tips that every driver should be aware of. Primarily nocturnal animals, deer prefer to graze from dusk to dawn. Because they breed in the fall, they are especially active during that time of the year. They live and take shelter in wooded areas, so they naturally stay close to the relative safety of the forest. Drivers should be especially alert at sunup and sundown when deer are most often moving from the trees to the clearings and back, but be aware that deer have become unyielding targets for motorists at all hours of the day and night and in every month of the year. The best way to avoid a collision with a deer, then, is to understand their behavior. In many areas of the country, roads are marked with signs that indicate frequent deer crossings. However, deer can’t read — nor do they give much credence to traffic laws — so don’t assume that you’re safe beyond the reflective glow of a street sign. If you are in an area known for run-ins with deer, it’s common sense to slow down a bit and drive cautiously. Alert drivers will notice that a deer’s eyes will glow in the headlights, so if you see floating orbs on the side of the road, consider it a heads up. Literally. If you are fortunate enough to notice a deer on the side of the road with enough time to react to it, it’s natural to want to slow down, blow the horn, or flash your lights. Unfamiliar with our traffic courtesies, the “you go first” blinking of high to low beans will only confuse the animal. Believe it or not, they actually do judge the time they have to get across the road by the approach of your lights, so slowing down suddenly or changing the brightness of your lights is likely to enact fear sensors, and the whole bunch will bound out in front of you at the last minute. If you see one deer, there are almost certainly more to follow. Swerving to avoid a deer is also illadvised — avoiding a relatively pliable deer only to hit a rather unforgiving, immobile tree is not in your best interest. Some enterprising companies have developed products that are marketed to prevent a collision with a deer, but they have not been proven to be effective. Short of branding the deer you hit as your own (“look-my deer whistle stuck right to him!”), they’re useless at best, and, in the worst case, can give you a false sense of security. Therefore, the best way to avoid totaling your car and having a really bad night is to be alert, drive smart, and hope it’s your lucky day. Category:Home › Autos • Will the trend toward economy-size car models lead Americans back to buying smaller-sized cars? — part 2 • You should never use after-market auto parts when maintaining or fixing your car • Should a new car be rust-proofed? • Will the trend toward economy-size car models lead Americans back to buying smaller-sized cars? — part 1 • Five safest cars in North America • How to ensure your teen drives safely after getting a license • Pros and cons of using an hydrogen generator for your car • DIY automotive maintenance: How to change the oil