DPS To Motorists: It's Deer Breeding Season, So Watch Out

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) says it's deer breeding season, so motorists need to be extra cautious.

Seventeen of Minnesota's 18 deer-vehicle crash fatalities from 2011 through 2013 were motorcyclists, the DPS said. There were 7,010 deer-vehicle crashes reported during that time span.

"Deer and vehicles sharing the road can be a dangerous combination," said Lt. Eric Roeske, Minnesota State Patrol. "Seeing a dead deer on the shoulder is a familiar site in Minnesota. It's a reminder, as we enjoy the fall season, to stay alert and stay safe by scanning for deer moving across the road."

The DPS says most crashes occur during dawn and dusk.

If you see a deer while driving in vehicle, don't veer. It's safer to hit the deer than head into oncoming traffic or off the road.

If a crash is imminent and enough space exists, motorcyclists are advised to use maximum braking and just before impact, attempt to swerve around animal in opposite direction it's traveling.