It’s that time of year again, when romance strikes the deer herd. Stags have one thing on their mind—and it’s not watching out for motorcycles. Does are running about with their half-grown fawns, so we need to watch out for the second and third deer in a group. All the deer are busy chowing down on the green grass on the roadway verge before freezing weather sets in, and they can run into the road on less than a moment’s notice.
Motorcyclists often get the worst of it in a deer/cycle collision and there have even been fatalities, so the wise rider will learn a bit about deer and how to avoid them.
Deer like to hide in the shadows and chew their cuds during the day and are most active at dusk and dawn, so pay special attention then.
At night, you’ll probably just see the reflection of your headlight in the deer’s eyes.
Pay attention to Deer Crossing signs because they are put up on stretches of road where lots of carcasses have been found—indicating many deer/vehicle collisions. And if the sign reads Deer Migration, be especially careful because whole herds pass through.
Slow down in deer country and be ready to hit the brakes. It’s wise, if traffic allows, to slow way down or even stop when you spot a deer on the shoulder. The animal may very well panic as you get closer and jump in pattern that would avoid a wild predator, but be squarely in your path.
Yet, there’s no denying it: Unless you plan to ride exclusively around the Southern United States, you’ll face some chilly winters. And even before it...
