Anyone who drives the back roads around Columbia knows this time of year brings out the deer. From October through December, deer are moving more than any other time of year, and they’re most active around dawn and dusk, right when a lot of us are commuting. With darker mornings and earlier sunsets on the way, the odds of meeting one on the road go up.

A few habits can lower your risk. Slow down on rural stretches, especially near tree lines and fields. Use your high beams when there’s no oncoming traffic, since they help you spot eyes shining along the shoulder. If you see one deer, expect more to follow, because they rarely travel alone.

If a deer does step out in front of you, brake firmly and stay in your lane. Swerving is a natural reaction, but it’s often more dangerous than the deer itself, because it can send you into a ditch, a tree or oncoming traffic.

If you do hit a deer, pull over somewhere safe, turn on your hazard lights and check on everyone in the car first. Stay away from the animal, since an injured deer can still kick hard. If anyone is hurt or the car is blocking the road, call for help.

Once everyone is safe, take a careful look at the car before driving on. Make sure your headlights and turn signals still work, and that the hood is fully latched. Look underneath the front for any dripping fluid, because a damaged radiator can leak coolant and cause the engine to overheat within a few miles. Watch your temperature gauge closely if you do keep driving.

Some damage isn’t easy to see. Many newer cars have sensors behind the grille or bumper for cruise control and collision warnings, and a hit can knock them out of position. A hard impact can also bend suspension parts or throw off the alignment, so pay attention if the car pulls to one side or the steering wheel sits crooked afterward.

Animal strikes are often covered under the comprehensive part of an auto policy, so it’s worth calling your insurance company early. After that, Exhaust Plus Auto Center can check the cooling system, the alignment and anything underneath that took a hit. Call us at (931) 388-8411 or stop by 102 W 5th St in Columbia, Monday through Friday from 8 to 5.