Motorists Should Watch for Migrating Deer

Every fall a traditional migration begins as deer and elk begin moving from the high elevations of Idaho to their winter ranges. In many cases those winter ranges are near population centers and the roads that surround them. Every year around this time the number of accidents involving deer begins to rise. Deer and elk are fast moving animals, and many accidents occur when a deer quickly and unexpectedly ends up on a roadway. Motorists should be cautious at all times of the year, but for the next several months, people driving on Idaho highways should exercise extra caution. Deer might pop out anywhere on thousands of miles of highway in Idaho, but there are certain areas where motorists are more likely to encounter them. In those places warning signs are posted. Those signs are not erected for target practice. They are placed in areas where deer are most likely to appear on the road. Motorists who drive cautiously in those areas are likely to avoid unnecessary damage and potential injury.