1) Stay alert, pay more attention to the road and roadside, and intentionally look for deer. Be especially alert at dawn and dusk, the peak movement times for deer and when visibility is low.

2) Slow down at deer-crossing signs, which are posted where deer-vehicle collisions have repeatedly occurred, and near woods, parks, golf courses, and streams or creeks. At a reduced speed, you have a better chance of avoiding a deer.

3) Deer usually travel in groups. When one deer crosses the road, there may be others about to cross. Slow down and watch for others to dart into the road.

4) Slow down when approaching deer standing near roadsides. They have a tendency to bolt, possibly onto the roadway. Use emergency flashers to warn oncoming drivers after you see deer near a roadway.

5) The most serious accidents occur when drivers lose control of their vehicles trying to avoid an animal. Do not take unsafe evasive actions. It is usually safer to strike the deer than another object such as a tree or another vehicle.

6) Motorcyclists need to be especially careful; fatality rates are higher in deer-motorcycle accidents than in deer-car crashes.

7) Remember: deer accidents increase to a peak at hunting season! You must be especially careful this time of year!

8) Some people simply will not travel on their bike at night, because the dangers of striking a deer are just too high. There are more deer out at night and you simply cannot see them in time to avoid a wreck.

9) Manage the risks of hitting deer any way that makes sense to you, but manage the risks, don’t ignore them! Practice emergency braking, with BOTH brakes!

I had to make a full-emergency stop on my motorcycle a year ago. Fortunately, I spotted the deer immediately, as it leapt over the guide rail on the left side of the two-lane road. I got on both brakes hard so as not to waste any time, then got on the brakes even harder, especially the front, when it became obvious the deer would not run across the road, but was stopping in my lane! Remember two things: fully 70 percent of your braking power comes from your front brake, and the weight distribution will shift from rear wheel to front wheel. This means it is very likely you will lock up the rear wheel in a panic situation if you are not highly skilled, cool under pressure, and have practiced emergency braking. Please, if you have any superstitions about not using your front brakes, lose those notions right now! You need both brakes to stop a bike in an emergency and you need to know how, and you need to practice!