When it comes to hazards, most drivers are primarily worried about the other vehicles that share the road with them. But as the team at Dirk’s Auto Repair in Lincoln, NE, explains, this is far from the only thing you need to watch out for. In particular, those who wish to avoid an unexpected visit to an auto repair shop should always be alert for deer. By following a few essential driving tips, dangerous collisions with these animals can be avoided altogether.

Skip the Trip to the Auto Repair Shop: 3 Tips to Avoid Hitting Deer 

1. Know the Risk

As with other road hazards, there are certain times and locations where you are more likely to encounter deer. In general, these animals are most active at dawn and dusk, with the majority found in rural and wooded areas. And, during the months of October through January, deer are more active due to their breeding habits.

2. Go Slow

The top recommendation for driving in an area with deer is to slow down. This gives you more time to react and hit the brakes should an animal dart into the road. Driving slowly also makes it easier to spot deer grazing near the road, enabling you to exercise caution and be fully aware of your surroundings.

3. Don’t Swerve

While drivers have a natural instinct to swerve when a deer is standing directly in front of them, this could actually be even more dangerous. Those who do often go into a ditch or into oncoming traffic, resulting in far worse damage to their vehicle. Instead, stop and honk the horn or flash the lights to scare off the animal.

Is your vehicle struggling with mechanical issues as the result of a deer collision? In business since 1995, you can trust the team at Dirk’s Auto Repair to help you fix the car, regardless of whether you need brake repairs or other services. To learn more about what this auto repair shop will do for you, visit them online or call (402) 466-6010.