During the fall season, car-deer collisions rise dramatically. As the cool weather settles in, deer become more active, and the upcoming mating season means their minds are on other things besides looking both ways before crossing the road.

Unfortunately, even a small incident can put your car out of commission, and many collisions result in thousands of dollars in damage. To keep your vehicle and your family safe, consider some of these tips to avoid hitting a deer.

• Slow down. It gives you more time to see a deer and react appropriately.
• Pay attention to deer crossing signs. They are placed where there is known heavy deer traffic, so look for them and stay alert.
• Dawn and dusk are the most active times for deer, so be especially careful during these hours.
• Use high-beam lights when possible to extend your night vision. You may notice the light reflected in the eyes of deer on the road, which is your first sign to slow down.
• If you see one deer, there are probably more. Deer typically travel in groups, so if you see one crossing the road, look behind it for her friends.
• If a crash looks inevitable, don't make an impulsive swerve. Usually, an out-of-control attempt to avoid the collision results in more damage, such as a collision with another car or a roll-over. In many instances, it's safer to slow down as much as possible and maintain control.

As you're driving this fall, keep an eye out for deer and other animals on the roadways. While they are fun to look at, you'll want to avoid an up-close-and-personal meeting. If you do hit a deer, it's always a good idea to call the police to fill out an accident report, and if there are injuries to anyone in the car, call 911 immediately.

We’ll help keep you safe. Call Grimes Insurance Group, LLC at (919) 847-7534 for more information on North Carolina auto insurance.