According to the deadly car accidents statistics compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are about 1.5 million deer auto accidents that occur every year. To make matters worse, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety estimates that car accidents claims resulting from deer auto accidents cost on average $2,800.
Considering just how prevalent these bad car accidents are, it’s important that you know what to do when driving through a high risk area. Here are some tips to help you be safe and prepare you for such an event.
How to Avoid Hitting a Deer.
Deer are most active around dawn and dusk, and in the months of October and November. During these times, be sure to slow down around deer crossing areas and keep your peripheral vision on alert. If you see one deer by the road, know that there are others hidden out of sight. This means that even if the deer is nowhere near you, there could be another nearer to you that you can’t see.
What to Do If You Can’t Avoid Hitting the Deer.
Deer auto accidents are sometimes inevitable. They can leap out at the last second, leaving you with little to no time to react. In such instances, don’t try to take evasive maneuvers. It’s much more dangerous to hit another vehicle or a stationary object, like a tree. Instead of speeding up, make sure to hit the brakes.
Don’t Take the Deer Out of the Road.
Even if you think the deer is totally dead, don’t make any attempt to remove it from the scene. It could kick with its powerful legs, which would send you to the hospital. Instead, call 911 and let the authorities handle the situation.
Each year, deer auto accidents send 10,000 people to the hospital and kill about 200 more, which is why it’s so vital that you know how to avoid being involved in deer auto accidents. If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments. Get more here.