MnDOT: As Mating Season Begins, Deer-Vehicle Crashes Increase

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Heads up, drivers. You could soon be seeing more deer on the road.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation is warning drivers that due to mating season beginning and a decrease in daylight, November is peak time for deer-vehicle crashes.

According to MnDOT, mating season is between October and November, which causes the deer to move around more frequently.

Deer often move in packs, in a single-file line. They are usually spotted in the early morning or evening hours.

When seen by drivers, it is generally in an area where their habitat is close to the road.

MnDOT said when driving near a waterway or forested lands, drivers should slow down and scan the sides of roads and ditches.

Drivers should also avoid swerving. MnDOT said it is safer to hit a deer head-on than to lose control of your car.

From 2013 to 2015, there were 6,149 deer-car crashes reported. Fifteen resulted in fatalities, and 986 in injuries.

Crashes were reported in every county in the state.