Deer, like all wild animals, exhibit strange behavior when encountering humans, predatory animals, bad weather, and other dangers. Yes, deer do view humans as a threat, even though they pose the animals no harm.
While some people brush off these odd behaviors, others are intrigued and want to learn more.
When the pupils are exposed to bright headlights, they will constrict. After a few minutes of feeding in low light conditions, it will take a few seconds for the pupils to constrict. During this time, the deer will freeze.
Deer Feeding Along Busy Highways
You now know a future deer encounter is a major possibility. But did you know, the encounter could be while you are driving down the road? Deer are observant animals because they must be.
While the animal is always on the lookout for danger, it will choose to feed along congested highways. Even though the animal is visible from the driver’s seat, you never know its next move.
Motorists must ask themselves, which way will the deer run. Of course, there is no possible way to know the answer to this question. You must sit back and wait to see what happens next.
If you think deer react strangely to oncoming vehicles during the daylight hours, you cannot imagine how they will react at night.
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Can Headlights Improve Deer Visibility
Yes, but only in low light conditions. By law, motorists are required to drive with their lights on in low light conditions. When it is cloudy outside, US traffic laws require motorists to turn their lights on low beam.
While headlights are not always necessary in low-light conditions, they are required by law. With this said, your headlights can prove to be a handy tool when approaching deer along roadways.
Your headlights will improve the visibility of any deer feeding along roadways in low-light conditions. The first sign of a deer for motorists after dark is the eyes. Your animal’s eyes will reflect your headlights, improving visibility for you and the deer.
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How Motorists Should React To Deer Encounters After Dark
Only the deer can control its reaction to approaching headlights. Unfortunately, motorists find themselves in a predicament, not knowing which way to turn.
It is crucial to keep your composure to avoid a motor vehicle accident. Experts believe it is possible for motorists to avoid all potential dangers during deer encounters.
While there is no way to know what the deer will do next, motorists need to always keep a safe distance. For all you know, the deer will dart out in front of your vehicle on a congested highway.
Even if you are the only motorist on the highway, a safe distance from the deer will help minimize collision risks.
Stay Alert – Deer oftentimes travel in packs. So, where is one deer, there is generally two, three, four, or more. When you encounter a deer, you are almost always guaranteed, it is not alone. Experts recommend staying alert when encountering deer feeding along busy stretches of roadway.
Slow Down – Keeping your eyes on the road, gradually slow down. If you are the only motorist on the highway, there should be little to no risk when taking this action. This option may not be possible if the highway is congested. Do whatever is necessary to slow down while avoiding a collision with the deer and other vehicles.
Take The Center Lane – Driving alone on a secluded strength of highway is dangerous enough, but when deer are feeding nearby, these dangers drastically increase. Driving in the center lane gives motorists a little extra time to veer away from approaching deer. Know your traffic laws before taking the center lane, even if you are a lone motorist.
Should Motorist Brighten Their Headlights In The Direction Of Deer
It depends on several factors, as to brighten your headlights or not. Experts recommend motorists utilizing their high beams in specific situations, not just because deer are nearby.
Inspect your surroundings to determine if other motorists are on the roadway. Do not brighten your headlights if there is a vehicle directly in front of you.
Do not utilize your high beams when there is another vehicle less than 200 feet in front of you.
High beams can improve visibility for you and deer in the nearby vicinity. When deer are visible from farther away, you will have more reaction time.
Summary
When deer spot oncoming headlights, they will freeze for only a few seconds. This will give you some time to react appropriately. Drive in the center lane when possible and utilize your high beams when legally permitted.
