Oh DEER! Avoiding a Collision

With the beginning of deer hunting season, motorists will soon see an increased level of activity in the deer.  As a result, you are more likely to encounter deer on or along roadways and should therefore be on the alert.  Here are some tips to avoid a collision with deer along the roadside:

• Stay particularly alert at sunrise and sunset, watching for deer from both sides of the road.  Deer are quite active during these low-light periods when our sight may be limited due to lower sunlight levels.
• Keep your eyes on the road…not on your phone, not texting, not on the GPS, not on other in-car devices.
• If one deer crosses, assume there are more nearby.  They typically travel together.
• Use high beam headlights if there is no oncoming traffic.  High beams will reflect in the eyes of deer making them easier to see.
• Deer are often unpredictable, especially when faced with blinding headlights.  Don’t expect them to stay in place.  They will most likely dart quickly, perhaps in front of you at the last moment, stop in the middle of the road, or cross quickly.  
• Do not swerve into oncoming traffic to avoid the deer.  IT's better to hit the deer than an oncoming car.
• Always wear your safety belt.  Historically, people injured or killed in deer/auto collisions were not properly restrained.
• If you strike a deer, it is recommended to contact local authorities so that the animal can be moved and not block potential traffic.

Remember, deer can be unpredictable.  I have a friend whose car was hit from the side by the deer.  Literally, the deer ran into the side of the vehicle.  I can verify that this can happen because a few years ago, the very same thing happened to me!  I was sitting at a stop light (literally in a firm stop) and a deer ran into my vehicle…thud!  This just shows that the animal can be unpredictable in their running and darting, so it is up to the motorist to be cautious and drive defensively at all times.  Be careful out there!

For more information on insuring your car or truck, contact Chad at csimpson@farmersagent.com or 512.686.2904.