Did you know? We are in the middle of deer migration and mating season which generally runs from October through December. Every Fall there is 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. Drivers need to be especially vigilant.
Colliding with a deer or swerving causing you to hit a ditch or tree can cause a tremendous amount of damage to a vehicle.
Here are a few tips that can help you prevent and decrease the danger of being involved in a deer-related auto accident:
- Slow Down and watch for the rest of the gang. Deer are pack animals and rarely travel alone. If there’s one, there are likely more. Just slow down and keep an eye out.
- Scan the fields and roadsides ahead of you. Deer are very unpredictable.
- When possible drive with your high beams on. The high beams will reflect better in the eyes of the deer allowing you to spot them easier.
- Heed deer-crossing signs. The yellow diamond with the deer on it are placed in high-traffic areas where collisions are more likely, so slow down and pay careful attention when you see a sign.
- If you come upon a deer in the roadway, brake firmly and calmly, and stay in your lane. Avoid swerving. It could make you lose control and make a bad situation worse.
If these tips fail, you should take the following steps in the deer collision aftermath:
- Pull to the side of the road as soon as it is safe to do so.
- Turn on your hazard lights and remain in the vehicle until you are sure it’s safe.
- Call emergency services if injuries are involved or the local police for property damage.
- Stay away from the deer. If it is still alive, it could be confused, injured, and dangerous if approached. When contacting the authorities, let them know if the deer is in a dangerous spot on the road so that it can be removed.
- Contact us here at the agency as quickly as possible to report any damage to your vehicle.
Published with permission from BGI Systems. Source.