The reaction is understandable.
You dont want to hit the deer.
But the deer probablydoessee you, even if its standing still at first.
By the time you get close, its likely going to jump.
And if you swerve at just that moment, well, it may jumpintoyou.
But even aside from the damage you might do to the deer, swerving is dangerous for you.
What should you do if a deer jumps into the road?
First,slow down.
Next, notice your surroundings.
If they are on the move when you approach, theyll probably keep going in the same direction.
attempt to steer (not swerve) behind the last deer in line.
But be aware that there may be another just out of sight.
Dont attempt to guess.
(The deer may hop into their lane.)
What about avoiding other animals?
If I see anything smaller than a deer in the road, my philosophy is simply: fuck em.
I will feel bad if I squish the squirrel.
But thats the choice Ive made.
I will briefly tap the brakes for a squirrel or bunny, and wish them luck.
I will slow down as best as I safely can for a deer or a dog.
I do absolutely nothing if the animal in the road is a bird; theyalwaysfly away.
Larger animals are rare where I live, but the danger they pose is real.
If you live in moose country, peoplediein moose crashes.
(Their legs are so long that their bodies tends to hit the passenger compartment in a crash.)
And definitely do not speed up if an animal is in the road.
Theres a myth that itsbetter to hit a moose at high speedto attempt to flip it over your car.
Dont do that either.
And to avoid a collision in the first place, pay attention.
Drive cautiously in the early morning, late evening, and anytime its dark or foggy.
Those deer crossing signs are legit, so when you see one, pay attention.
