What should you do if you encounter a deer in the road?

When encountering a deer in the road, slowing down, braking, and steering clear if possible is the safest and most advisable action. This approach allows you to reduce your speed, giving you more time to react to the deer's movements, which can be unpredictable. Deer may suddenly dart across the road, and coming to a slower speed helps prevent a collision, which can be dangerous for both the driver and the animal.

Braking provides an opportunity to stop if the deer does not move, while steering clear allows you to navigate around the obstacle without creating additional hazards, such as swerving into another lane or losing control of the vehicle. Being cautious and attentive to your surroundings in such situations can significantly reduce the risk of an accident.

In contrast, passing quickly or speeding up can increase the likelihood of a collision, as it doesn’t give the driver enough time to react. Honking may scare the deer but does not guarantee that it will move out of the way in time. Swerving aggressively can lead to losing control of the vehicle or potentially colliding with other vehicles or obstacles. Therefore, the recommended response prioritizes safety and control.