About this time every year, Iowa motorists are confronted with a moving danger — deer that run onto the road. Because deer movement increases in the fall, the risk for deer/vehicle crashes also increases during October, November and December.

There is certainly little a driver can do about deer movements, but a driver can be more aware of their habits and reduce the risk of coming in contact with deer. Iowa Department of Transportation statistics show that in 2007, an estimated 8,027 drivers reported collisions with deer in Iowa, causing 12 motorist deaths and an estimated 468 motorist injuries. While motorcycle/deer crashes only account for 93 of the 8,027 crashes, they account for most (10 of 12) of the fatalities.

As of Aug. 31, three motorcyclists in Iowa have been killed this year in crashes with deer.

Tom Welch, Iowa DOT safety engineer, said, “There are no good options when a motorcycle and a deer collide. To reduce the risk of meeting a deer while on a motorcycle, limit nighttime riding, and continuously search the roadway and ditches ahead. Drive slower where there are deer crossing signs. Some cyclists still feel it is best to try to brake and steer, under control, away from the deer. In this scenario if the deer is hit, the collision would occur at a lower speed. Other cyclists would lay the bike down if coming upon a deer at lower speed, but not at high speeds or on high-volume roads where there would be the possibility of being hit by another vehicle.”

Motorcycle driver tips:

• Become familiar with deer crossing areas along your routinely traveled roadways. Avoid heavily populated deer crossing areas around dawn/dusk and during the night. If you must travel in these areas, reduce your speed and watch for deer.

• Wear protective gear while riding on a motorcycle.

• Obey all traffic laws, especially speed limits, to ensure you do not over drive your headlamps.

Drivers of vehicles other than motorcycles fare much better in deer-vehicle crashes. If a deer runs into the path of your vehicle, not veering to avoid the animal greatly reduces the chances of losing control of your vehicle. The following tips are offered to drivers of all motor vehicles to reduce their risk for deer crashes.

Motor vehicle driver tips:

• Slow down when you see a deer warning sign – pay greater attention.

• Avoid dawn and dusk driving.

• When driving at night in a deer crossing area, decrease vehicle speed.

• If you see one deer, expect others.

• November and December are deer rutting season when deer appear to be more mobile and less cautious.