How to Avoid Deer And Other Animal Collisions

Did you know that a motorist is most likely to strike a deer in November? Claims data shows that more than 18 percent of all deer-related automotive mishaps take place during November, with October and December trailing closely behind. These findings are not too surprising, when deer mating season is taken into consideration.

Here are some things to think about before hitting the road:

1. The most active times of the day/night for deer and other wildlife are the times before and shortly after sunrise. Statistically, more animal collisions occur at this time than other times of the day and night. BUT, during rut they can be seen at any time of the day or night and they are focused only on mating, which makes them less aware of their surroundings and a greater hazard. 
2. Pay attention to “deer crossing” signs. They are posted in areas where deer have been known to be killed on the highway in addition to where they are sighted. 
3. Whenever possible, use your high beams and increase the distance that you can see ahead of your vehicle. This can allow you time to slow and may allow you time to use your 4-way flashers to warn other drivers of a hazard. 
4. Blink your headlights at the deer or other animal. Instead of being transfixed by your headlights, it may “wake them up” and cause them to run from your path. Honking your horn may also have the same effect.
5. Brake – not by jamming on your brakes and possibly throwing your vehicle into an out-of-control slide – and slow down as rapidly as is safely possible. IF a collision with a deer or other animal is unavoidable, damage may be minimized by striking the animal at a slower speed.
6. Immediately after the impact, reduce speed further and pull off of the road to examine your vehicle for damage. Under NO circumstances should you approach the animal – an injured animal can inflict a lot of injury and damage. 
7. Notify the authorities so that the animal can be properly disposed of and will not pose a threat to other motorists.

Here are some interesting facts:

- According to the claims data, the presence of deer caused an estimated 1.23 million collisions in the U.S. between July 1, 2011 and June 30, 2012. The probability that any single licensed driver in the U.S. was behind the wheel during one of those 1.23 million crashes also increased from 1 in 183 to 1 in 171, approximately equal to the odds that you will be audited by the Internal Revenue Service next tax season.

- Over the last four years, the number of deer-related claims paid has increased 7.9 percent, while other similar auto claims decreased 8.5 percent.

- The average property damage cost of these incidents during the final half of 2011 and the first half of 2012 was $3,305, up 4.4 percent from the year before.

Animal collisions are an increasing threat to our vehicles, as is evidenced by the number of animal guards being installed on heavy duty trucks. These guards minimize - if not totally eliminate - damage caused by collisions with animals and can certainly prove to be a good investment if your route takes you through areas with known animal populations.

Remember to be safe this deer season and contact your local SBS Insurance agent to discuss what coverage you have on your vehicle in case of an accident.