Deer-Vehicle Collisions

Fall is in the air. The leaves on trees are starting to turn colors: orange, red and brown. Football is in full swing and there's the crispness is in the air that smells like damp leaves. Bonfires started for neighbors to come together and then school homecoming celebrations.

The highest potential for deer-vehicle collisions are from October - December. The time frames of when deer move around during the day are at dawn and dusk. There are reasons why deer move around the most at these times during the day. One reason is that November is deer mating month, so deer are out and about grunting to find their mate. Then, you have bow season that has already begun and then rifle hunting will fall right after. While the hunting season is in full force, deer moves around a lot more to avoid being killed. However, the more they move around the more likely they will run into our roadways and be hit from a vehicle.

Virginia is considered a high risk state by insurance companies when it comes to deer collisions. The average claim amount of damage is $4,000. Many drivers swerve instead hitting a deer; however, this will actually cause more damage to a vehicle by the vehicle hitting a tree or other vehicle.

Ever since I was young, my father always told me if I see a deer on the side of the road just honk my horn and it will frighten them away. Now there have been other solutions besides what my father told me in which people will use to ensure deer don't cross into the roadway. Unfortunately, none of those are 100% accurate. Here are some safety tips from Allstate insurance company to prepare you if you encounter a deer.

1. Beware of your surroundings

Make sure you are paying close attention to any deer crossing sides by the roadway. This can prepare you to know that you are driving in a high deer populated area. Also, slow down and increase your difference between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.

You also want to avoid swerving so you do not hit a deer. There is a higher probability that you may hit a tree or even involve another vehicle once you swerve your vehicle. Unfortunately, as our minds automatically want to avoid a deer collision, studies show that more damage is done than by hitting the deer.

2. Watch for groups of deer

Typically, deer travels in groups. So if you happen to see one deer cross the road, ensure you will encounter more right after it.

3. Regularly clean and inspect your vehicle

Ensure your headlights have been cleaned and are operable during deer season. You will want to make sure your high lights work 100% too.

Remember, fall season is upon us which brings in hunting season and deer moving around. Stay safe and drive carefully this season.

https://www.fredericksburg.com/news/va_md_dc/risk-of-striking-a-deer-rises-for-virginia-drivers-as/article_b07b8298-447b-5692-861f-c899959df7d2.html