The days are getting shorter, and the nights are getting longer. As we barrel toward winter, now is a good time to talk about car collisions with animals, especially deer. Accidents involving deer usually double between October and December.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety:
West Virginia, Iowa and Pennsylvania had the highest November claim frequency for animal strikes among U.S. states during 2006-13, an April HLDI report found. West Virginia’s November claim frequency of 51.6 claims per 1,000 insured vehicle years (one vehicle insured for one year or two vehicles for six months each, etc.) was about 3½ times the national average for the month.
One time, I remember my dad hitting a deer. I’ve come close a few times. My dad was lucky though – the deer only broke a brake line, in other words, minimal damage. But sometimes these accidents can be fatal, especially of you swerve to fast to avoid the deer.
Here are a few tips for avoiding a collision with a deer, or any animal while traveling on a rural road.
Always be aware and alert
Even if you are alone on the road and in no traffic, never zone out. Animals can dash out of nowhere when you least expect it.
Don’t try to avoid the animal and swerve in the other lane
None of us want to hit and kill or injure an animal. However, never swerve to avoid the animal where you can lose control and wreck and possibly hit another car.
Use high beam headlights to try and see what is around you
When you have no traffic coming towards you, always use your high beams. This way you can see further in front of you and have more time to slow down and use your brakes if you can see the animal further away.
Slow Down
We get in too much of a hurry way too often. Slow down and drive cautiously. If you do come upon a deer or other animal, the impact of the accident will be much less if you are driving at a slower speed.
Never touch the animal after the accident
Animals can be unpredictable. You may think the animal is dead and they are not and they could possibly attack you. Also, be careful getting out of your car and checking on the animal while other cars are flying by you and could possibly hit you.