Oh, Deer! Tips to Avoid Collisions

Deer activity increases in fall and early winter.

As the outdoor temperature gradually drops, deer activity and deer-vehicle accidents increase. Every year across the country, deer-vehicle accidents account for billions of dollars in vehicle damage, thousands of injuries and hundreds of fatalities. These tips can help you avoid a collision with a deer and stay safe while on the road.

Be Aware of the Time of Year:

• The annual deer breeding season, also known as the rut, occurs mainly from October through December.
• Dawn, dusk and night are the times you are most likely to encounter deer in the roadway.
• Deer are herd animals. If you see one, more deer are likely to follow.
• Deer can be very active and unpredictable at these times while they are searching for mates.
• Country roads, farmland and heavily wooded areas are known for high deer populations but also can be seen in suburban or urban areas.

Safety Tips:

• Always wear your seatbelt.
• Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings.
• Pay attention to Deer Crossing signs. These are strategically placed in areas frequently used by deer to cross the road.
• Reduce speed in areas with high deer traffic.
• Use high-beam headlights when it is safe to do so in order to enhance your visibility.
• Headlights won’t necessarily scare deer. Sometimes they cause deer to stop in their tracks and on the road.
• Slow down or stop if it’s safe to do so as you approach deer in the road or on the roadside.
• Don’t swerve your vehicle to avoid hitting a deer. This could cause you to lose control and hit another vehicle or object.

What to Do If You Hit a Deer:

• Contact the local emergency services if anyone is injured.
• Notify the local law enforcement agency of the accident.
• Report the accident to your insurance agent or insurance company as soon as possible.
• Never attempt to approach the deer. Deer are unpredictable wild animals. When injured, they could cause personal harm to you or run back into the roadway in front of traffic, causing another accident.

This loss control information is advisory only. The author assumes no responsibility for management or control of loss control activities. Not all exposures are identified in this article. Contact your local, independent insurance agent for coverage advice and policy service.