Driving in the Midst of Deer

The fall season is when drivers must watch out for deer. We typically see an increase in deer claims in the fall months. We have listed all the necessary precautions you should take to avoid any damage to yourself, your vehicle and others.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says there are nearly 1.5 million large animal-vehicle accidents, coupled with $3 billion in damages and 200 fatalities each year. Here are the top safety tips for driving, especially when you’re driving in an area prevalent with deer crossings.

Make sure you are safely secured with your seatbelt
Be sure to drive within the posted speed limits
Exercise extreme caution when driving in areas with deer crossing signs
Use your high-beam lights to maximize your response time
Do not swerve if you see a deer in the road
Control your braking
Maintain control of your vehicle
If you find that a crash between your vehicle and a deer is unavoidable, maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel and try to bring your vehicle to a slow or controlled stop before the impact. Again, while swerving may be instinct, it is much safer for you and those around you if you avoid going out of your lane, off the roadway, or swerve into oncoming traffic.

Hitting a Deer: What To Do
Dusk and dawn are the most common times for deer crossings. If you happen to hit a deer, the first thing you should do is to report the collision to local or state law enforcement. If you or someone else is injured, contact emergency services as soon as possible.

Your next call should be to your insurance company to file a claim. The quicker you file a claim, the quicker it can be processed for you. Make sure to document the accident, taking pictures of your surroundings and any damage done to your vehicle and any sustained injuries. Move your vehicle to a safe location, and inspect everything to verify that your automobile is still drivable. Be wary of potential safety hazards such as leaks in your fluids, loosened parts, damage on your tires or broken lights.

In Virginia, the general season for deer hunting begins November 16, so the population is highest between September and November. Comprehensive coverage on your insurance policy covers deer accidents. Collision coverage does not cover these accidents. If you do not have comprehensive coverage on your policy, contact Sanford Insurance today to see how we can help you get the best rates on your automobile policy which will cover all types of claims.