05/26/2026
Should you avoid hitting a deer?
Stay Safe, Don't Swerve!
Why? Swerving increases the likelihood of losing control of the vehicle. Your best bet Is to brake as much as possible. Avoid swerving. While instinctive, swerving either puts you in danger of going into ongoing traffic or veering off the road, and may even cause a rollover accident. Experts caution that it is safer to hit the deer head-on.
Per Iowa DOT: Oh, Deer, Don’t Veer for Deer!
If a deer or other animal ends up in the road ahead of you, don’t veer to avoid hitting it.
• Hold on to the steering wheel.
• Stay in your lane.
• Don’t swerve. Swerving may send your vehicle into oncoming traffic or cause you to crash in the ditch.
• Brake firmly.
• Bring your vehicle to a controlled stop.
If you collide with the animal:
• Pull off the road. Turn on your emergency flashers and be cautious of other traffic.
• Stay in your vehicle and call 911 for assistance.
Note: Attempting to remove a deer or other animal from the roadway can be very dangerous. Leave the removal to the professional responders. Deer crossing signs are a good indication of past deer activity in an area.
