Ways to avoid accidents with deer.

 

It is always essential to be vigilant on the road. But deer mating season can present a multitude of hazards for drivers to be more cognizant of. From July 2019 to June 2020, over 1.9 million animal collision insurance claims were made within the U.S. The chances of a driver running into a deer vary from state to state. However, it is important to implement strategies to keep you safe while on the road and handle the situation accordingly if it occurs. This article will give essential tips in order to help with avoiding any potential accidents. 

 

  1. Signs: The best way to be vigilant of deer is to notice any deer xing signs. The word "xing" is short for crossing on traffic signs. These signs are usually present where deer traffic is high. When passing one of these signs, take extra precautions by driving in a more defensive manner to alleviate risk. 
     
  2. Timing: Dawn and dusk are usually when deer are most active. If you find yourself frequently traveling around these times, be sure to be extra alert as visibility makes it more difficult to spot deer.  
     
  3. Headlights: Using your headlights and extra bright lights is essential for the road. Areas with no streetlights present a greater risk of deer encounters. Using your headlights will reflect in a deer's eyes, making them easier to spot.
     
  4. Herds: If you see one deer, chances are more are close behind. Deer rarely travel alone and are pack animals by nature. Be sure to watch for others that may dart across the road after spotting one. 
     
  5. Honking: Deer fixate their sights on your headlights, and honking your horn can help scare them off of the road. Be sure to brake abruptly and honk your horn to avoid collisions. 
     
  6. Swerving: If a collision is evident, it is best to brake abruptly, rather than swerve out of the way. While swerving may seem like the logical thing to do, you actually put yourself at more risk. Doing so can result in you veering off the road, go into oncoming traffic or cause your vehicle to barrel roll. 

 

Knowing the proper procedure during a potential accident with deer is essential. While it may not be possible to alleviate all chances of an accident, implementing these procedures may avoid costly vehicle damage and personal injury. For more information and resources, visit hupy.com.

 

Our personal injury law firm is the largest in the Midwest, with offices located in Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa. Our attorneys have secured a number of settlements in excess of a million dollars. 

 

Contact us anytime -- 24/7/365 -- by phone or online chat to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation today. 

Jason F. Abraham
Connect with me
Helping car accident and personal injury victims throughout Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa since 1993.