Beware of Deer on Mississippi Roadways: How to Stay Safe as the Days Are Getting Shorter

No matter how wonderful summer is, fall always provides something to look forward to in Mississippi. From the holiday season and back to school to cooler temperatures and cozy clothing, the change of season is often a welcomed one. However, in addition to all of the wonderful things about fall, there’s also the fact that daylight hours begin to wane, which can create a driving hazard—especially when there are animals on the road. 

Dawn and dusk are often the times of day that animals are on the road, and with the sun setting earlier and rising later, you may find yourself driving during these times of day more often. As you do, here are some facts and tips to know to help you stay safe on our Mississippi roads:

Accidents with Animals

Every year in the United States, there are hundreds of thousands of—if not more than a million—motor vehicle accidents with large animals, including deer, elk, and moose. These accidents result in approximately 200 human deaths, 26,000 injuries, and about $8 billion in property damage and other costs, according to the Pew Charitable Trusts. In more rural parts of the country, crashes with large animals represent nearly a fifth of all motor vehicle accidents! This is of particular concern in states like Mississippi where 65 of the state’s 82 counties are considered rural. 

Staying Safe with Animals on the Road

While deer and other large animals may be a part of the Mississippi landscape and certainly creatures with which we must learn to live, there are ways to reduce the risk of accidents, protecting both wildlife and humans. A few tips for staying safe with animals on the road including:

• Use your headlights. When driving on dark Mississippi roads, don’t hesitate to use your brights (just be sure to switch them off if you see an approaching vehicle so you don’t blind oncoming drivers). Using your headlights will make your car more visible to animals but, more importantly, will also help you to see any creatures that may be on the road—or about to enter it—as well as pay attention to the signs that indicate that wildlife is present.
• Slow down. If you’re driving in an area where animal crossings are common or the risk is high due to the time of day, don’t hesitate to slow down. Speeding in areas of high animal activity increases your risk of collision (as your ability to stop your vehicle in time will be reduced), and also increases the risk of severity in the event that you do collide. 
• Put away distractions. Distractions should always be put aside (or literally tucked away in the case of a cell phone) when driving. When driving on dark roads in rural areas where animal life is present, putting away distractions is even more important. 
• Follow the herd. Don’t forget that when you see one deer, there are likely more. If you see one cross the road, stop, wait, and look for the rest of the herd! Proceed cautiously and slowly to ensure that there is no risk of collision with another animal.
• Know when risk is highest. As stated above, as the days shorten, the risk of colliding with an animal may increase as more people are likely to be on the road during dusk and dawn, when deer and other animals tend to be most active. If you will be driving at these times, exercise extra caution. 
• Don’t swerve. In the event that you do come face-to-face with a large animal on the road, it’s best to apply your brakes in a controlled fashion and to avoid swerving if possible. Swerving just puts you at risk of other types of accidents—such as a rollover or a collision with a vehicle traveling in the opposite direction.
• Use your horn! If you do see deer or other large mammals on the road, your horn may be a very effective tool in scaring them off the road and getting them to move. As frustrating as it may be, move slowly and cautiously. 

What to Do if You’re in a Wildlife Accident in Mississippi

In the event that you are involved in a crash with a large animal such as a deer, it is important to pull your vehicle over to a safe location and assess for injuries. If anyone in your vehicle is injured, call emergency services immediately. You should always report the accident to the police and call your insurance company. As you pursue compensation through the claims process, working with a Mississippi car accident attorney is recommended, especially if your injuries are moderate to severe.