Car Accidents Caused by Deer

A deer-vehicle collision occurs just as often as other common factors that lead to automobile accidents on the roadways. An estimated amount of 1.23 million deer-vehicle collisions have occurred in less than a twelve month period between July 2011 and June 2012. Accidents caused by deer have led to over too over two hundred human deaths and billions of dollars’ worth of vehicle damage.

The expansion of US highways and roadways may be a contributing factor of the increase of vehicle deer collisions because they are being built in close and sometimes direct proximity to deer habitats. The time of day in which drivers are traveling can also increase the likelihood of car-deer accidents. In the day time drivers can easily spot a deer than they would during the night hours.

Damage caused to vehicles by a deer or other animal is usually covered under the optional comprehensive portion of most auto insurance policies. The comprehensive portion may slightly vary by insurer but it includes things like, theft, fire, vandalism, and flood damage.

1. Most highways and roadways have warning signs posted along the road that will let motorists know when they are traveling in a deer zone. Deers may cross those roadways to move from one area of the habitat to the other. Hunting season can also cause deer’s to move around and possibly enter the roadways. So look for those warning signs and heed them.

2. When driving in wildlife territory avoid driving at accelerated speeds. Experts suggest that motorist keep their speed at 55mph in good weather conditions. The faster you drive the less reaction time you will have to avoid collision. Your braking time is reduced and the only option you have is to swerve.

3. Stay alert and continually observe your surroundings. While driving in deer territory actively scan the grassy areas of the roadway, the shoulders and intersecting roads for wildlife. If you have passengers in your vehicle you can even get them involved.

4. Observe the behavior the vehicles driving in front of you. Are they slowing down or braking? Do they have their hazardous lights on or are they signaling for you to stop? If so, a deer could possibly cross the road ways so you should immediately stop your vehicle.

5. If you do happen to spot a deer in the road while driving; stop your car. If there is some distance from you and deer honk your horn in short quick bursts. If your car happens to be up close to the deer avoid honking your harm because this will startle them and they may come charging at your vehicle.

6. In a situation in which you feel that your car will collide with the deer, brake firmly and avoid swerving into lanes where there are other cars on the road because you can crash into another vehicle. If possible try to steer your car more in the direction that the deer came from because they are less likely to backtrack.