Oh Deer! Why December is the Most Dangerous Month for NC Drivers

Know the Season: Understanding "The Rut"

In North Carolina, deer mating season (the rut) peaks in late fall. During this time, bucks are chasing does and are far less cautious than usual. They run across roads without looking, often followed closely by other deer.

Action item: Assume that if you see one deer, there are two or three more right behind it. Slow down immediately, even if the first one has cleared the road.

Map the Local Hotspots

While collisions can happen on I-77, the risk skyrockets on rural two-lane roads. In our area, the backroads of Surry and Wilkes counties—where woods line the pavement—are prime territory.

Be hyper-vigilant during the "twilight hours" of dusk and dawn. This is when deer are most active and your visibility is naturally compromised.

The Golden Rule: Don't Swerve!

This is the hardest advice to follow, but it saves lives. If a collision with a deer is unavoidable: Do not swerve.

Swerving often leads to far more dangerous outcomes, such as hitting a tree, running into oncoming traffic, or rolling your vehicle. Brake firmly, stay in your lane, and brace for impact. Modern cars are designed to absorb front-end collisions; they aren't designed to hit an oak tree sideways at 55 mph.

Check Your "Comprehensive" Coverage

Here is where I put on my insurance agent hat. Many drivers mistakenly believe their "Collision" coverage handles deer strikes. It usually doesn't.

Hitting a deer is considered an "Act of God" or an animal strike, which falls under Comprehensive Coverage (often called "Other-Than-Collision").

• Collision: Hits another car or object (like a mailbox).
• Comprehensive: Hits a deer, fire, theft, or falling tree branch.