November is peak month for deer-vehicle crashes

ST. PAUL, Minn. – November is the peak time for deer-vehicle crashes in the state, so motorists should watch for them and drive cautiously, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

The main reason for the increase in vehicle crashes is that the deer mating season occurs in November. Increased deer movement coupled with a reduction in daylight hours increase drivers’ chances of encountering deer on roadways.

Deer are more likely to be encountered in areas where habitat is close to the roadway, such as a bridge crossing over waterways, and during the early morning and evening hours when deer are most active.

From 2013 to 2015, there were 6,149 reported deer-vehicle crashes, according to the Department of Public Safety. There were 15 fatalities and 944 injuries. Crashes were reported in every county in the state. 

So far this year, there have been four motorcycle crashes with deer, with five fatalities reported.

A deer collision report released annually by State Farm Insurance states that Minnesota ranks seventh among the 50 states in how likely motorists are to hit a deer. The company said that 1-in-74 motorists will hit a deer or other large animal this year, up from about 1-in-80 in 2016.

For those driving on Minnesota roadways, MnDOT offers these tips:

·         Be particularly alert in the fall and spring. More than half of the crashes happen in late October and November when deer are mating, and in May and June during the birthing season.

·         Be vigilant at dusk and at dawn. A high percentage of crashes occur during the low-light or dark hours of the day when deer move between daytime bedding sites and evening feeding areas.

·         Slow down and scan the sides of the road and ditches for animals when driving through forested lands or near river and stream banks. Especially drive with caution in marked deer-crossing zones and along roads surrounded by farmland or forests as these are areas known for large deer populations.

·         Drive defensively and expect the unexpected. If you see a deer near the road, slow down because it might dart in front of you. If you see one deer, look for the next one. Deer often travel together but single file.

·         Don't swerve. While it may seem like the right thing to do, swerving to avoid a deer could cause you to lose control or travel into the path of another vehicle. Striking a deer is safer than colliding with another vehicle or a tree. Stay in your lane, brake firmly and hold onto the steering wheel.

·         Motorcyclists should avoid night and low-light riding times. A rider’s best response when encountering a deer is to use both brakes for maximum braking and to keep their eyes and head up to improve chances of keeping the bike up. Riders should wear full face helmets and full protective gear.

DNR Phone Hours Extended

Have a question for the Department of Natural Resources in the evening or on Saturday?

The DNR has permanently extended its phone hours so the nearly half-million firearms deer hunters in Minnesota and other outdoor enthusiasts can call the Information Center until 8 p.m. on weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday.

“It’s important to help our customers when it’s convenient for them,” said DNR Commissioner Tom Landwehr. “Being a hunter myself, I appreciate being able to make calls after work or on the weekend, and now we know others do too.”

The DNR began a pilot project last fall to compare the popularity of its previous business hours (8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday) with the new extended hours. The results are in, and the longer hours are a hit with customers.

From November 2016 through Oct. 28, the Information Center received more than 1,200 calls during the extended hours. This is an increase of more than 16 percent from the number of calls received during the same period in previous years.

“We discovered there were quite a few folks who liked the convenience of calling us after 4:30 p.m.,” said Ann McBurney, Information Center day supervisor. “Late Saturday morning is a popular time as well.”

The Information Center now also offers phone interpreter services that make it easy for non-English-speakers to get the information they need. They simply request an interpreter and staff create a three-way conversation with specialists who speak more than 220 languages.

“We want to break down barriers so all Minnesotans feel comfortable getting the information they need, whether in English or in their native language,” Landwehr said.

Customer service improvements have accompanied the rollout of longer hours.

“We’ve implemented changes that allow us to answer calls quickly and transfer them to any other DNR staffer around the state if we can’t answer their question,” McBurney said. “That’s much friendlier than asking people to make another call, or to wait for a call back.”

Frequent in-house training classes on a changing variety of natural resource topics mean the 11 customer service specialists have the most updated information available for callers.

To reach the Information Center, call 888-MINNDNR (646-6367) or send email to info.dnr@state.mn.us.

For more information and to see a new video promoting extended hours, go to www.mndnr.gov/info.

DNR seeks applications for OHV grants

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeking applications for grants to support off-highway vehicle (OHV) trail projects and new trail proposals.

Applications for grants to support projects on existing trails are due by Monday, Nov. 30. New trail proposals are accepted throughout the year.

Grant-in-Aid (GIA) funds are available to help develop and maintain recreational trails for use by all-terrain vehicles, off-highway motorcycles and off-road vehicles. First authorized in 1984, the GIA program provides cost-sharing opportunities at the initiative of clubs and other organizations, with the support and participation of local government sponsors.

Organizations can apply for GIA funds through counties, cities or townships. All aspects of OHV trail development and maintenance are eligible for funding, including project administration, site planning, trail improvements, land acquisition for trail development, and trail maintenance. Proposals with a focus on maintaining or improving existing trails and trail systems will be assigned a higher priority.

For grant applications and more information, visit www.mndnr.gov, or contact the DNR Information Center at info.dnr@state.mn.us or 888-646-6367 (8 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday).