If your driving over the next couple of months is going to bring you near areas that are home to a substantial deer population, then a certain amount of caution must be taken in order to ensure your safety and that of other motorists. The advice from the Pennsylvania Game Commission outlined in a new report would thus be worth your time.
First, respect any area that has signs detailing the presence of wildlife. These should always prompt a reduction in speed, and that reduction should be even more dramatic at night. Wildlife activity (deer in particular) is going to increase from 6 pm to 9 pm, and you have to be cognizant of this danger.
Should you ever actually see a deer from your vehicle, know that it could indicate other members of the herd are also in the vicinity. Keep on the lookout for silhouettes and the reflection of your own lights in the eyes of an animal. Use high-beams when you can do so without blinding motorists going the other way or drivers in front of you who may be looking in their mirrors.
When a deer is in your lane of travel, the brakes should always be applied but the wheel should not be turned. Doing so quickly can lead you to fishtail or careen off the road, and if vehicles are in your path, the potential accident will be far more dangerous than if you only struck the deer.