(Radio Iowa) – With an hour less of daylight that means it’s time to be more aware of deer moving across roadways. Iowa State Patrol Sergeant Paul Gardner says the end of the harvest is another signal that deer will be on the move. “As we wrap up the harvest season and since crops are being brought in that usually provide concealment for deer, they’re most active, and that means that they’re going to be more likely to be crossing the roadways at this time of year,” he says. You can see a deer on the roadway at any time, but the beginning and end of the day are often busiest. “Typically, they’re most active during the dusk and dawn hours of the morning and the evening, but gear crashes can happen anytime of day,” Gardner says.

Gardner says it’s best to be on the lookout and be able to slow down and avoid a deer. But if one catches you off guard, it’s best to stay the course. “If a deer runs out in front of you, avoid swerving to miss it, as this could cause you to lose control of your vehicle,” he says. “So if you do have to hit it, it’s best just to hit it straight on instead of veering for a deer. And if you do get into a crash involving a deer call law enforcement right away.”

(Iowa DNR photo)

Gardner says there were there were nine fatal car/deer accidents in 2024. There have been were just over five-thousand car/deer accidents so far this year in Iowa.