Iowa Drivers Cautioned About Deer: They 'Can't Read Signs'

Iowa drivers were warned to be cautious of deer because the animal can't read signs. The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a brief statement on its Facebook page Tuesday to address questions that the organization has received about the placement of deer crossing signs.

Responding to questions of why it does not place its signs where it is safer for the deer to cross, the department claimed to have received the inquiry on "a pretty regular basis" from residents.

"Deer can't read signs. Drivers can," the DOT wrote in a Facebook post, which included a picture of a deer crossing sign. "This sign isn't intended to tell deer where to cross, it's for drivers to be alert that deer have been in this area in the past."

The post was published as deer begin their breeding season in Iowa that typically lasts between October and December. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) similarly warned drivers and recommend they stay on alert.

"It's that time of year — don't veer for deer," the DNR wrote on its Facebook page Wednesday.

The DNR also provided tips to drivers who encounter a deer on the road. If a collision is unavoidable, drivers are recommended to hit their vehicle's brakes firmly as they hold on to the steering wheel with both hands. After coming to a controlled stop, the driver should move their car to a safe place that is out of the way of oncoming traffic.

"Call the police. Alert authorities if the deer is blocking traffic and creating a threat for other drivers," State Farm wrote on its website. "If the collision results in injury or property damage, you may need to fill out an official report. This report also can prove useful when filing your insurance claim."

Deer crashes can cost roughly $4,000, on average, and there have been 3,344 car accidents involving animals in Iowa between Jan. 1 and Oct. 23, according to ABC affiliate KCRG. These accidents have fatally wounded one person and injured 156 others.

Iowa was ranked fourth in the nation for deer-related crashes in 2016, according to Bankrate. West Virginia secured the number one slot followed by Montana and Pennsylvania.