A deer darting into the road in front of your vehicle can be especially frightening during a drive. You might need to make a split-second decision, including whether swerving is more likely to cause a collision than prevent one.

You're most likely to see deer during October and November. These months are their mating season, and bucks will often pursue their mates across the road. Deer may also venture closer to these areas due to a scarcity of food or to try to evade hunters.

In some circumstances, it may be impossible to avoid hitting a deer. By taking a few proactive steps while driving, however, you can reduce the chances that you will be involved in such an accident.

It is possible to encounter a deer in a suburban area, but they are more populous along rural roads. The University of North Carolina Highway Safety Research Center says you should be particularly cautious when driving near fields or heavily wooded areas. Posted deer crossing signs are another indicator of places where deer are most commonly spotted.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife says deer are most active during dawn and dusk. When driving during these hours, keep an eye out for the animals. The automotive organization AAA says scanning the shoulders and road ahead of you can improve your reaction time.

Even if you see a deer and are not in danger of hitting it, you should be cautious when proceeding. Deer travel in herds, so there are likely other animals nearby.

The Washington DFW says steep banks may conceal deer until they leap into the road, giving you little warning of their approach. A deer's hooves can also slip on the pavement, delaying their ability to get out of the road, so you should always slow down when you see an animal ahead.

When traveling at night, use your high-beam headlights whenever there is no approaching traffic. AAA says the higher intensity of the beam will let you see farther down the road, giving you time to slow down or honk to alert a deer.

The headlights will also help you spot reflections from a deer's eyes. However, you should also be aware of the effect the lights can have on a deer. The Washington DFW says some animals, particularly young deer, can be confused by the light and may stop or act erratically when it shines on them.

Exercising some basic precautions while driving will also help you avoid a collision with deer. The UNC Highway Safety Research Center says you should slow down and pay attention in areas where there are posted deer warnings. Driving slower at night can also give you more time to react to a deer crossing the road.

Leave a safe following distance when traveling behind other vehicles, as they might brake suddenly to stop for a deer. The Washington DFW says you should look out for other deer if you see another driver slowing or stopping them. You may also not want to pass a slow driver while in an area with frequent deer crossings.

Wear your seat belt to minimize the chances of injury in a crash. You should also stay alert and sober while behind the wheel.

If you are frequently traveling through areas with large numbers of deer, you might consider mounting a deer whistle on your vehicle. These devices give out a shrill, high-pitched sound that purports to keep deer away. It is unclear how effective they are, however, and you should not take more risks simply because you have a whistle on your vehicle.

Drivers often try to swerve around a deer if a collision seems inevitable. However, this action can cause serious damage and injuries. Swerving into the opposite lane can lead to a head-on collision with another vehicle, while swerving off the road can cause you to roll down an embankment or crash into a tree or guardrail.

The Nicolet Service Center, an automotive shop based in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, says you should hit the deer if you are unable to stop for it. Try to slow down as much as possible, but keep a firm grip on the steering wheel and stay in your own lane.

After a collision, pull over to the side of the road and turn your emergency flashers on. If the deer is killed by the impact, the Washington DFW says you can try to move it out of the roadway. However, you should only do so if there is no oncoming traffic.

Call the police department to report the accident and where it took place. Make sure to warn them if the deer's body is a hazard to other drivers.

Assess the damage to your vehicle. If it is severe enough that you cannot drive safely, you should request a tow truck.