Deer and driving

Fewer daylight hours means more of us will be driving after dark. And this is the mating season for the plentiful deer in Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois. This combination means motorists needs to be on the lookout for deer darting onto highways.

The large number of deer is good news for hunters. The regular hunting season starts Nov. 14. The first bow season is already in progress.

But the erratic behavior of deer at this time of year is good cause for concern, particularly in the evening hours or just before dawn when many motorists are on their way to work. Last year nearly 6,000 deer-vehicle collisions were reported in Missouri.

There is no sure way to avoid deer on the road. But experts say the most common mistake motorists make is to sharply swerve in an attempt to miss a deer.

These experts recommend driving cautiously, watching for deer and slowing down instead of trying to avoid a deer in the road.

Also, watch for reflections from a deer's eyes. And be aware that deer often travel in groups, so if you see one deer, there might be others nearby.

Maintaining control of our vehicle, the experts say.