Des Moines, IA – Iowa officials are reminding drivers to be extra cautious this fall as deer mating and migration season peaks from October through December. The Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) issued a seasonal alert Thursday urging motorists to stay alert and reduce speed, particularly during dawn and dusk hours when deer are most active.
According to HSEM, the fall months bring a sharp rise in deer-related crashes across Iowa as herds move between feeding and breeding areas. Drivers are encouraged to maintain safe following distances, scan roadsides carefully, and avoid swerving if a deer appears suddenly. The agency’s message — “Don’t veer for deer” — emphasizes that sudden steering corrections can lead to more serious accidents, including rollovers or collisions with other vehicles.
Authorities also advise drivers to keep their eyes moving from ditch to ditch, use high beams when appropriate, and be especially alert in wooded or rural areas. The Iowa Department of Transportation reports that deer-vehicle collisions are most common during early morning and evening commutes in late fall.
Motorists encountering deer on the road should brake firmly, stay in their lane, and report any crashes to local law enforcement.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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