Santa’s team of Rudolph and his friends may be able to skim the rooftops, but the rest of the deer sometimes turn up in the middle of the road. The nonprofit Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) wants to remind residents how they can prevent accidents and protect both people and deer.

Look out, especially at dawn and dusk. Deer are most likely to be on roadways next to woodlands. Pay attention around forest edges and ditches, and scan the sides of the road for movement. Be extra vigilant during dawn and dusk, although during this season, deer may be on the move anytime.

Reduce speed. Slow down, especially in areas where deer are known to be active. Reducing speed can allow more time to react if a deer appears.

Heed warning signs. Ann Arbor and other communities often have signage where deer are known to cross. A doe is likely to be followed by a buck during mating season and followed by a family of deer afterward. If there is one deer, slow down and look out for others waiting to cross.

If there is no oncoming traffic, switch to bright headlights; they can help you spot deer from a greater distance. Look for “eye shine”. Deer have poor vision, but they’re not stupid; they’re trying to focus on the bright light ahead of them.

Honk in short bursts. While deer vision isn’t great, their hearing is better, and they can discern where noise is coming from. Don’t veer. If an animal jumps out, slow down as much as possible without swerving or losing control. Apply the brakes, keep hands on the wheel, stay in the lane and come to a controlled stop. The biggest danger comes when people veer into oncoming traffic or collide into trees on the side of the road in order to avoid the animal.

If an animal is hit and injured or the car is damaged, call 911 immediately. Do not attempt to move an animal. HSHV provides emergency services to sick and injured wildlife and stray animals; wildlife are given medical treatment and transferred to local, licensed rehabilitators when possible.