I've Hit A Deer!
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 during this period than any other time of the year so drivers need to be especially cautious.
Millennium Paint & Body Works repaired 78 deer hits in 2014 with an average repair cost of $3,895.
Driving Tips To Avoid A Deer Hit:
- Drive with caution from sunset to midnight and shortly before and after sunrise. The highest risk times for deer-vehicle collisions.
- Drive with caution through deer-crossing zones and in areas known to have a large deer population. Deer seldom run alone. If you see one deer, others may be nearby.
- Use high beam headlights when driving at night & no oncoming traffic. High beams will better illuminate the eyes of deer on or near the roadway.
- Slow down and blow your horn to frighten the deer away.
- Brake firmly when you see 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 vehicle.
- Always wear your seat belt.
- Do not rely on devices such as deer whistles, deer fences and reflectors to deter deer. These devices have not been proven to reduce deer-vehicle collisions.
If you hit a deer, do not touch the animal. A frightened/wounded deer can hurt you. The best procedure is to get your car off the road, if possible, and call 911.
Collision with an animal is covered under the comprehensive portion of your auto insurance policy.
