What should you do if you see a deer near or crossing the road?

When you see a deer near or crossing the road, the best course of action is to slow down and remain alert. This approach is crucial because deer can be unpredictable and may suddenly dart onto the roadway. By reducing your speed, you increase your reaction time and the likelihood of avoiding a collision, which can be severe both for the vehicle occupants and the animal.

Being alert allows you to assess the situation more effectively, watching for any changes in the deer’s behavior. This vigilance is particularly important in areas where wildlife crossings are common, as multiple animals can be encountered.

The other choices involve actions that can create more danger, such as speeding up to avoid an accident, which may actually lead to a greater likelihood of a collision at higher speeds. Honking continuously might startle the deer, potentially causing it to freeze or jump into the path of your vehicle, while changing lanes quickly can increase the risk of losing control or colliding with other vehicles. Therefore, the most responsible and safest response to encountering a deer is to slow down and maintain a clear focus on the road.