DPS warns motorists to watch for deer

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety is reminding motorists: "Don't veer for deer."

DPS says this is the time of year when deer-vehicle crashes spike, as the deer population becomes more active during mating season.

DPS says that from 2007 through 2009 there were over 8,000 deer-vehicle crashes, including 19 deaths and 65 injuries. Sixteen of those people who died were on motorcycles.

State Patrol Capt. Matt Langer says serious injury or death can be prevented if motorists don't try to swerve to avoid a deer. Langer says the best defense is to be buckled in and brake.

For motorcyclists, experts say they should ride only during daylight hours and avoid areas that are likely to have high deer activity. If a rider encounters a deer, the best response is to slow down and drive slowly around the animal.

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