Weaver also believes the collision rate rises in the fall because more people are likely to be driving around sunrise and sunset-times when deer are most active. During the past five years, the annual average for accidents reported between deer and vehicles is 10,834. That number has dropped to 146 in 1997 and 152 per billion miles traveled last year. We see this reflected in the overall trend toward fewer accidents involving deer. The DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife sets hunting seasons and bag limits to maintain the state's deer herd at a level that maximizes opportunities for hunting and wildlife watching, and minimizes crop damage and collisions between deer and vehicles.
Deer are a natural part of Indiana and a valuable resource.
Adjust driving speed to lighting situations. Slower driving during low light situations gives you more time to react to deer crossing the road. If a deer is grazing along the road, the animal could easily dart into traffic. Deere often travel in groups, so seeing one deer may mean that others are nearby. If you see one deer cross a road or see deer on the roadside, reduce your speed.