5 questions about driving after dark in areas heavily populated with deer?

1. What are some good tips?

I know how to watch for deer. And my uncle (an insurance salesman) says that you shouldn't swerve to miss deer because hitting a deer is covered in your insurance but swerving and hitting something else isn't covered. But are there some other tips?

2. Is it true that breaking quickly will cause the front end of your car to go down and send the deer through the windshield?

3. Do deer whistles actually work?

I've heard stories of deer whistles actually causing cattle to stampede. I've also heard stories of people running into deer more than once, breaking the deer whistles every time.

4. What is the best way to watch for deer when you're close enough behind someone else that you can't use your high beams?

5. Are you less likely to see deer in areas where there are long stretches of open fields (without trees or windbreaks in a half mile on either side of the road) than areas with wind breaks or lots of hills?

Thanks in advance.
Additional Details
Anyone out there today?

mtwaites

1. If you are driving and there is a hill to the left of you and a hill to the right of you, be cautious as deer will go up the hill when they are scared.

2. It is highly possible that this will happen. Try to pump your brakes and see if this would help. Slamming your breaks in any emergency situation is the worst thing that you could do.

3. They will sometimes work, but do not SUBSTITUTE good common sense for using one of those. You still need to use your common sense while you're using one of those deer whistles.

4. Look for shadows around the car that might be lurking, or look at the response(s) of the people that are coming towards you, or that are in front of you. This will sometimes tell you if there is a deer near by.

5. There is no area that is really immune from deer. Deer like hanging around in every different type of environment. It is our responsibility to carefully look, and use our common sense!

UCANTCME

Slow down! In areas with a large deer population, or where there are deer warning signs, drivers should reduce their speed.

Always wear your seat belt! It's your best protection from injuries in the event of a crash.

Watch for eyes reflecting in your headlights. Try to look far down the road and scan the roadsides, especially when driving through field edges, heavily wooded areas, or posted deer crossing areas. The sooner you see a deer on or approaching a road, the better your chances of avoiding a crash.

Remember that deer travel in herds. If you see one deer cross the road in front of you, don't assume that all is clear. Deer herds can be fairly large, and the animals often move one right behind the other.

Do not place confidence in "deer whistles" or other "ultra-sonic" devices that claim to prevent deer collisions.

Maintain control of your vehicle. It is important that you not lose control of your vehicle or veer into the path of an oncoming vehicle to avoid contact with an animal. Loss of control usually results in a more serious crash.

k1kobra

1. I don't know anybody who wouldn't swerve to avoid a deer or any other animal. It is human instinct, even though you know not to. It is safer not to.

2. It usually depends on the car and the size of the deer.

3. I have heard several stories of the deer whistles not working.

4. If I am in an area known for deer and cannot use my brights, my fog lights are on. This does not blind the other drivers, but gives me extra light.

5. Deer used to stick to a routine. But with hunters and danger being everywhere, they have learned to adapt and so their actions have become less routine. Deer can be almost anywhere that is close to shelter (trees) and water. Open fields often offer food to wild animals including deer. Daytime or nighttime.

The best practice is to drive at a slower pace.

yahoolover

in response to your first question- i understand that it is more expensive to swerve and hit something on the side of the road. But, i would suggest that you first worry about what is going to cause the least physical damage to you.

5. no

oinch79

i ran over a deer several years ago of all places coming into atlanta from birmingham ala on six lane highway just ten miles out of town they are every where best thing to do is drive slower where you know they are present the whistles not sure maybe like light to bugs drawn wright in deer do tend to stay close to woods for cover this deer i hit was crazy just be careful

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