Keep an Eye Out for Deer
November 9, 2018
Fall is the peak season for deer activity, which means an increased risk of auto-deer collisions.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, there are 1.5 million auto-deer collisions annually, resulting in more than $1 billion in damage. Deer-auto collisions are one of the most-common auto claims we see.
States with the highest risk for collisions are (in order):
- West Virginia
- Iowa
- South Dakota
- Pennsylvania
- Michigan
- Montana
- Wisconsin
- Minnesota
- North Dakota
- Wyoming
How to avoid an auto collision with a deer:
- Be more cautious or avoid driving at dawn and dusk because deer mainly travel at these times
- Follow the posted speed limit, but slow down when you see deer-crossing signs or when you’re in a rural area
- Avoid swerving to miss a deer. Swerving puts you at an additional risk of losing control of your vehicle
- Watch the side of the road for eyes, which will reflect the light from your headlights. If you see one deer, be on the lookout for others – deer move in groups
- Ask your passengers to be on alert, too. Four eyes are better than two
What to do if you hit a deer:
- Bring your car to a safe stop on the side of the road, and turn on your hazard lights so traffic can avoid you and the deer
- Stay away from the deer and don’t try to move it yourself. The police will contact authorities about handling the deer.
- Call the police and file an accident report for insurance purposes
Thanks to our friends at SECURA Insurance for the info!