ALEXANDRIA — Autumn is officially here, and with it comes the peak season of car-deer crashes.

According to information gathered from the

Douglas County Sheriff’s Office

blotter, there was at least one car-deer crash per day from Nov. 1 to Nov. 16, a total of 29.

Although these crashes do occur within city limits, it is not nearly to the extent of the county as a whole, with 19 reported to the

Alexandria Police Department

since Jan. 1, 2023.

In the state as a whole, 6,218 deer crashes were reported from 2016-2020, resulting in 18 deaths, the

Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety

reported.

Of these deaths, 15 were motorcyclists. These crashes also resulted in 124 serious injuries, 109 of which were motorcyclists, the office reported.

To better ensure safety on the roads, the Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety has released a list of tips regarding car-deer crashes.

Among these tips are:

• Drive at safe speeds and always wear your seat belt.
• Use high beams as much as possible at night, especially in deer-active areas.
• Be especially cautious from 6-9 p.m., when deer are most active.
• Slow down in areas known to have a large deer population.
• Watch for the reflection of eyes and silhouettes on the shoulder of the road.

Motorists are encouraged to not swerve to avoid a deer, as this can cause the driver to lose control and veer off the road or into oncoming traffic.
Motorcyclists are asked to avoid night and low-light riding periods altogether.

“A rider’s best response when encountering a deer is to use both brakes for maximum braking and to keep your eyes and head up to improve your chances of keeping the bike up,” it reads on the Office of Traffic Safety’s website. “If a crash is imminent, and there is enough space to swerve around the deer without leaving the roadway, use maximum braking and just before impact, attempt a swerve in the opposite direction the deer is traveling.”

As always, motorcyclists should wear full face helmets and protective gear to prevent injury or death in a crash.

Additionally, high-visibility gear can help motorcyclists be seen better by other drivers, whether it’s while making an evasive maneuver to avoid a deer or laying on the roadway after impacting a deer.

As always, any Minnesota resident may claim a road-killed deer by contacting a law enforcement officer. An authorization permit will be issued allowing the individual to lawfully possess the deer.

For more information about car-deer crashes, visit

dps.mn.gov/divisions/ots/deer-vehicle-safety

.

Travis Gulbrandson covers several beats, including Osakis School Board and Osakis City Council, along with the Brandon-Evansville School Board. His focus will also be on crime and court news.