Before you make plans to travel this Thanksgiving, make sure that you are aware that November has the highest rate for deer collisions of any month.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administrations says that close to 1.5 million deer collisions occur each year with the majority coming in the months of October, November, and December. These collisions leave thousand injured and the number of fatalities has risen almost 50% since the year 2000.
Not only are these collisions having an effect on people’s lives, but they are also causing some serious damage to automobiles. The average amount of damage that deer collisions are causing to automobiles is over $3,000 per occurrence and over the course of the year, it’s estimated that over $1 billion in damage occurs to automobiles nationwide!
Some states have more deer hits than others. Here is a list of the top 10 states for deer collisions in the United States:
1. Pennsylvania
2. Michigan
3. Illinois
4. Ohio
5. Georgia
6. Minnesota
7. Virginia
8. Indiana
9. Texas
10. Wisconsin
So how can drivers everywhere avoid these collisions and remain safe on the roads? Well, here are some helpful tips when driving during the fall months to reduce the risk of colliding with a deer, and how to remain safe in the event of a crash:
• Always wear your seatbelt
• Deer often move in groups. If you see one, there are likely more in the vicinity.
• Be aware of posted deer crossing signs. These are placed in active deer crossing areas.
• When driving at night, use high-beam headlights when there is no oncoming traffic. The high beams will better illuminate the eyes of deer on or near the roadway.
• Be especially attentive from sunset to midnight and during the hours shortly before and after sunrise. These are the highest risk times for deer-vehicle collisions.
• Brake firmly when you notice a deer in or near your path, but stay in your lane. A deer typically weighs less than 200 pounds; another car will weigh at least 3,000 pounds. Your chances are a lot better if you hit the deer.
• If you hit a deer, pull well off the road and turn on your emergency flashers.
• Report the incident to your insurer. Typically damage is covered by the comprehensive portion of an auto insurance policy.
So make sure when you are driving this holiday season you keep your eyes on the road and pay attention, you never know when a deer will jump out on to the road!