How Will Trucking Companies in Minnesota Stay Safe on the Road During Deer Season?

As one of the most trusted trucking companies in Minnesota, we here at K-Way Express, Inc consider ourselves to be strong examples of safe driving for our customers and friends. We take this responsibility very seriously, and as such, we often find ourselves educating others about how to stay as safe as possible when encountering dangerous driving conditions.

One dangerous condition that many drivers do not often think about is deer season. With deer season approaching, we have compiled a list of basic tips that all drivers can use to stay safe:

• Wear your seatbelt: We require all of our drivers to wear a seatbelt, and you ought to have the same policy for both drivers and passengers in your personal vehicle. About two thirds of fatal animal collisions happen when people are not wearing a seatbelt. And if that isn’t enough to convince you to wear a seatbelt, keep in mind that not doing so is a primary offense in Minnesota and most other states.
• Know when to be alert: While you should always drive safely, there are certain places and times when you should be especially alert during deer season. Of course, deer crossing signs are a clear indicator that you should be careful. But even if a sign is not present, you should be careful when driving on any roads that are on the outskirts of town or in a rural area. You should also keep in mind that a deer crossing is most likely to occur between about 5 a.m. and 8 a.m., and again between 5 p.m. and 12 a.m.
• Turn on your high beams: When you are driving in the dark during the above mentioned times and there is no oncoming traffic, use your high beams whenever possible. While this practice probably will not prevent a deer from entering the road, it will give you better vision and allow you more time to stop before hitting the animal.
• Hit the brakes: If you do see a deer in front of you, you need to brake firmly as soon as possible to avoid hitting it. However, do not brake so suddenly and forcefully that you risk swerving into oncoming traffic or into a ditch. Brake first, and then slowly pull over onto the shoulder of the road if you are able.
• Stay away: Even if you follow all of the above safety precautions, there is still a chance that you will hit and injure a deer during deer season. If this happens to you, it is important to keep in mind that wounded animals can be dangerous. Unless you know for sure that the deer is dead, keep your distance from the animal, and call the police for assistance.

Whether you drive a large commercial truck or a small sedan, exercising caution during deer season will help ensure that you and others stay safe on the road. For more safety tips and information, please contact K-Way Express, Inc, one of the most reliable and efficient trucking companies in Minnesota.