Approximately 1.8 million motor vehicle accidents involving deer occur every year on America's roads, resulting in over 200 fatalities and over $1 billion in vehicle and property damage. Here are some safety and precaution tips that can help you avoid a collision.
Look for Deer Crossing Signs
Slow down when you see a deer crossing sign. These warning signs are posted in areas with high deer populations and frequent deer/auto collisions, or in known deer habitats around woods, golf courses, and parks, or creeks and streams. By driving slower through these areas, you'll have more time to react to avoid accidents with deer.
Exercise Caution at Peak Periods
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Deer are most active around dawn and dusk when limited visibility makes them harder to spot. You're more likely to encounter deer during mating season, which runs from October to January. When you're driving during these periods, keep your car's high beams on whenever possible for better illumination and drop your speed. Stay alert and pay closer attention to the roadway and the shoulders.
Watch Out for Groups of Deer
Deer travel in groups and usually in a single file. If you see one deer on or near the road, slow down and keep an eye out for others that may be following. Don't try to go around a deer that's standing on the roadway. They're unpredictable and tend to bolt.
Take Proper Safety Precautions
Serious injuries and fatalities occur more often in deer-related car accidents when seat belts aren't worn, so keep yours fastened. If you encounter a deer, don't swerve to avoid a collision. Losing control of your vehicle while taking evasive action puts you at greater risk of a deadly crash.
Don't Rely on Man-Made Deer Deterrents
It hasn't been proven that devices such as deer fences, whistles, and reflectors actually reduce the number of accidents with deer, so don't rely on them to ensure your safety.
Even if you take precautions, an encounter with a deer can still end in a collision. If you've been involved in a deer-related accident and need expert auto body repair, contact us today!
