It’s that time of year when drivers are more likely to encounter deer, especially during their morning and evening commutes.
An estimated 1.25 million auto-deer collision claims occurred between July 1, 2014 and June 30, 2015. The cost of the average claim from these accidents was $4,135.
Collisions involving deer peak from October through December since that is their mating season. With more deer losing their natural habitats to development, the number of accidents will only increase as they enter more populated areas looking for food.
The top five states involving deer collisions are West Virginia, Montana, Iowa, Pennsylvania and South Dakota.
To help you avoid deer collisions, follow these safety tips:
- Use your high beams when there is no oncoming traffic. This allows you to see more of the road and animals that may be on either side.
- Wear your seatbelt and make sure your children and other passengers are buckled up.
- Be particularly alert at dusk and dawn when deer tend to be more active.
- Avoid distracted driving. Don’t take your eyes off the road to check a text message or to change the station on your vehicle’s stereo. You can drive several hundred feet without seeing the road.
- If a deer is near the road or in it, brake firmly and slow down. They usually travel in herds, so there is probably more than one in the area.
- Do not swerve around the animal. Most serious accidents are caused by drivers turning into other lanes of traffic or hitting a pole, tree or losing control of the vehicle.
- And remember: deer whistles, reflectors and other devices have not been proven effective in alerting or scaring off deer.
