3 Things You Should Do if You Hit a Deer While Driving

Growing up in Maine, deer were as much a part of daily life as the changing seasons. I remember spotting them at the edge of fields at dusk, slipping across back roads at dawn. Even today, I am surprised by deer darting out of the woods with a grunt, right in my backyard as I walk out at 4 a.m. to go to work.

Deer are unpredictable, and it's easy to forget this while driving, which could lead to a major accident if you aren't paying attention to the road.

The hunting season is slowly drawing to a close for 2025, but deer are still on the move, and even if you are super cautious, you may not be able to avoid a collision.

The Maine State Police have a list of things you should do if you hit a deer while driving.

Growing up in Maine, deer were as much a part of daily life as the changing seasons. I remember spotting them at the edge of fields at dusk, slipping across back roads at dawn. Even today, I am surprised by deer darting out of the woods with a grunt, right in my backyard as I walk out at 4 a.m. to go to work.

Deer are unpredictable, and it's easy to forget this while driving, which could lead to a major accident if you aren't paying attention to the road.

The hunting season is slowly drawing to a close for 2025, but deer are still on the move, and even if you are super cautious, you may not be able to avoid a collision.

What to Do When You Hit a Deer

The Maine State Police have a list of things you should do if you hit a deer while driving.

The priority is safety. Pull over in a secure spot, but stay inside your car until you’re sure the area is clear. Once you’re stopped, report the incident to the police. If it’s an emergency, call 911, but for damage with no danger or injuries, the non-emergency line is all you need.

When it’s safe to step outside, take photos of your vehicle and the scene for insurance purposes. Those pictures help document what happened and make the claim process smoother. After that, contact your insurance provider and try to breathe.

Hitting a deer isn’t something you caused, because wildlife doesn’t obey road signs. They can't read, but Mainers can. Be aware of those signs that read "High hit zone." These locations have been marked in areas where many deer could be crossing the road.

In some cases, if you file the proper report, you may even be allowed to keep the deer or donate it to a local food pantry. Only in Maine can an unfortunate encounter turn into a chance to help someone else.

As someone who grew up watching deer wander through backyards and forests, I still feel a pang whenever I hear about a collision. But I also know that being prepared is part of living here, where wildlife and people share the roads as much as the landscape.