With Thanksgiving just a day away, it bears repeating – cars and deer can be a lethal combination. Deer migration and mating season generally runs from October through December, and causes a dramatic increase in the movement of the deer population. As a result, more deer-vehicle collisions occur in this period than at any other time of year, so drivers need to be especially cautious, according to the Insurance Information Institute.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety estimates that there are more than 1.5 million deer-vehicle collisions each year, resulting in 150 occupant deaths, tens of thousands of injuries and over $1 billion in vehicle damage. The average claim for collision damage is about $3,000, with costs varying depending on the type of vehicle and severity of damage; claims involving medical payments can add thousands of dollars, according to the I.I.I.
“As our wildlife habitat continues to shrink and our traffic volume grows, accidents with deer are likely to increase and these mishaps can cause a great deal of damage. During this fall season, I would urge people to be a bit more vigilant when driving,” says Andrew McCabe of McCabe Group Insurance.
Not only is urban sprawl displacing deer from their natural habitat, but the deer population is also growing. Many of these deer find their way onto highways and into suburban neighborhoods, especially during deer season.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to decrease the likelihood of being involved in a deer-vehicle collision. The following facts can be helpful in avoiding deer-related collisions:
- Deer are not just found on rural roads near wooded areas, many deer crashes occur on busy highways near cities.
- Deer are unpredictable, especially when faced with glaring headlights, blowing horns and fast-moving vehicles. They often dart into traffic.
- Deer often move in groups. If you see one, there are likely more in the vicinity. Drive with caution when moving through deer-crossing zones, in areas known to have a large deer population and in areas where roads divide agricultural fields from forestland.
- Always wear your seat belt and stay awake, alert and sober.
- When driving at night, use high beam headlights when there is no oncoming traffic. The high beams will better illuminate the eyes of deer on or near the roadway.
- Be especially attentive from sunset to midnight and during the hours shortly before and after sunrise. These are the highest risk times for deer-vehicle collisions.
- Brake firmly when you notice a deer in or near your path, but stay in your lane. Many serious crashes occur when drivers swerve to avoid a deer and hit another vehicle or lose control of their cars.
- Do not rely on devices such as deer whistles, deer fences and reflectors to deter deer. These devices have not proven effective.
In the event your vehicle strikes a deer, try to avoid going near or touching the animal. A frightened and wounded deer can hurt you or further injure itself. If the deer is blocking the roadway and poses a danger to other motorists, you should call the police immediately.
For more information on this and other safety topics, contact McCabe Group at 414-326-9337.