While we love the beautiful nature of Minnesota, there are some driving inconveniences that other states do not experience quite as much. According to State Farm, Minnesota is one of the top 10 high-risk states for deer collisions. While there’s only a 1 in 77 chance of crashing into a deer, it’s always important to be prepared.

Here are some tips to keep in mind as you’re driving during this peak deer season, which usually lasts from October to December:

• Be extra vigilant around dawn and dusk when deer are more active.

• Keep an eye out for deer crossing signs. You should be attentive at all times anyway, but these areas are marked for a reason. There has most likely been other deer collisions before.

• Try to keep your wheel steady if you do collide with a deer. Swerving into oncoming traffic could result in worse injuries for you and the other driver/passengers.

• When you see one deer, expect there to be more. They will often travel in groups.

• Go the speed limit and buckle up. If you do have an unfortunate collision, then it reduces the chance of injury.

• Use high beam headlights when you are driving on a less busy road that doesn’t have oncoming traffic. Always turn it off when you see another car coming on the opposite side of the road.

• Be aware of your surroundings. Once you’ve slowed down for a deer crossing, honk your horn to warn other drivers around you.

• If worst comes to worst, and you cannot avoid the animal, slow down as much as you can before striking the deer. This will help reduce damage on your vehicle, prevent the deer from being shoved into oncoming traffic, and reduce the risk of injury for you and your passengers.

Deer accidents are bound to happen, especially in the Midwest where we have a higher chance of hitting wildlife, but staying vigilant could save you from a collision. If you do have an unfortunate run-in, call your insurance agent to report the incident and then call Superior Service Center for collision repair if you are in the Eagan area.