Deer Crossing Sign: How to Avoid Hitting a Deer
The deer crossing sign is a yellow diamond with a leaping deer. It warns that deer often cross the road in that area. Slow down, scan both shoulders, use high beams at night when no one is coming and, if a deer appears, brake firmly and stay in your lane rather than swerving.
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Deer crossing quiz: 3 test-style questions
- When are deer most active near roads? At midday / At dawn and dusk / Only in summer / Only during rain. Answer: At dawn and dusk. Deer move most around sunrise and sunset, when visibility is also poor. Activity rises in the fall breeding season.
- A deer suddenly appears in your lane and you cannot stop in time. What is generally the safest action? Swerve sharply into the oncoming lane / Swerve onto the shoulder at full speed / Brake firmly, hold the wheel straight and stay in your lane / Speed up to get past it. Answer: Brake firmly, hold the wheel straight and stay in your lane. Swerving can send you into oncoming traffic, a tree or a ditch, which is often worse than hitting the animal. Brake hard and stay in control.
- You see one deer cross the road ahead. You should: Continue at the same speed; it has passed / Slow down and watch for more deer following it / Honk continuously / Turn off your headlights so it is not blinded. Answer: Slow down and watch for more deer following it. Deer often travel in groups. Where one crosses, others may follow a few seconds later.
What the deer crossing sign means
The Deer Crossing sign (MUTCD W11-3) is a yellow diamond with the black silhouette of a leaping deer. It is posted where deer frequently cross the road, often between woods and fields or near water. It does not mean deer will be there at a specific time; it means the risk is real enough that the road agency marked it.
The same family of warning signs uses other animals — cattle, horses, elk, moose or bears — depending on the region. They all ask you to do the same thing: slow down and watch the edges of the road.
How to avoid a deer collision
- Slow down in marked areas, especially at dawn, dusk and at night, and during the fall breeding season.
- Scan both shoulders; at night, look for the shine of eyes in your headlights.
- Use high beams when there is no oncoming traffic or vehicle ahead.
- Expect more than one deer. If one crosses, slow down and wait for others.
- If a deer is in your path, brake firmly, hold the wheel straight and stay in your lane. Do not swerve.
- Wear your seat belt. It is your best protection in any crash, including one with an animal.
Test traps and myths
The test answer is almost always “brake and stay in your lane,” not “swerve.” Many serious injuries in deer-related crashes happen when drivers swerve and hit something else or roll over. Do not count on deer whistles or honking to scare animals away; slowing down is what works. A deer frozen in your headlights may not move, and it may jump in any direction.
After hitting a deer, pull well off the road, turn on your hazard lights and check for injuries. Do not approach the animal; an injured deer can kick. Call the police or the state wildlife agency as your state requires, and report damage to your insurer.
Where you see it
Deer crossing signs are common on rural and suburban roads across most of the country, near forests, farmland, parks, rivers and golf courses. Some states also use fences and wildlife crossings on highways where crashes are frequent.
Related signs
Other warning signs about people and animals crossing include the pedestrian crossing sign and the school crossing sign. Night driving tips are in our speed and following distance guide.
Deer crossing sign FAQ
What does the deer crossing sign mean?
It warns that deer frequently cross the road in that area. Slow down and watch the shoulders, especially at dawn, dusk and at night.
Should I swerve to avoid a deer?
Generally no. Brake firmly and stay in your lane. Swerving can put you into oncoming traffic, a tree or a ditch, which is usually more dangerous.
What time of year are deer collisions most likely?
Deer are most active in the fall breeding season, roughly October through December in much of the U.S., and around sunrise and sunset all year.
What should I do after hitting a deer?
Move to a safe spot, turn on your hazard lights and check for injuries. Do not touch the animal. Contact the police or wildlife agency if your state requires it, or if the deer blocks the road.
Official sources
Keep studying
- Pedestrian crossing sign
- Curve sign
- School crossing sign
- Safe driving practice questions
- All U.S. road signs
- Practice tests by topic