According to a study from MonkeyGeek, there are around 1.5M deer-car collisions with damages exceeding $1 billion in losses each year. Being aware of the risks, extent of damage, and safety precautions can prevent a deer-car accident from ever occurring.
The risk of colliding with a deer dramatically increases during the fall. The number of recorded deer-car accidents during this season is four times higher than the incidents that happen during spring. And the time of day also influences the likeliness of a deer-car collision, with the most dangerous times being at dusk and dawn when deer are most active.
How to Avoid a Collision
Stay alert and aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to road signs and warnings, especially near wooded areas and during dusk and dawn.
Deer travel in packs, meaning if you spot one deer, there are most likely more. When you see a deer, maintain cautious driving as more deer may follow. If you are driving at night and there is no oncoming traffic, turn on your high beams. These will help you spot animals more clearly, especially if they are on the road ahead. It will also allow you to see deer grazing or standing along the side of the road.
On a multi-lane road or highway, stick to the center lanes. If a deer comes from the side of the road, you’ll have more time in the center lane to react.
When you see a deer near your path, reduce your speed and tap your brakes to warn other drivers behind you. If there are no other vehicles behind, brake firmly and hard. Honk your horn, too. One long blast may be enough to scare the deer out of the road.
If you see a deer in your path, try to come to a complete stop. If a crash is unavoidable, don’t swerve, it is safer to stay in your lane while reducing your speed. Swerving away from the deer could lead to a more serious accident.
What To Do If You’ve Hit a Deer
Getting in a car accident can be a confusing and stressful time, but it’s important to immediately ensure your safety and that of the people involved.
After a collision with a deer, get to a safe place, check if anyone involved is injured, call the police, and document the accident by taking photos or videos of the vehicle, any injuries, the road, and tire skid marks.
Call 911 to report the accident and tell them if the deer is still on the road. The dispatcher will alert the proper authorities to remove the deer.
If the deer is alive, do not approach the deer. A wounded deer will likely be frightened and dangerou
After taking the necessary steps to ensure your safety, call us; we will help you navigate the claims process. 800-759-7579
