On your early a.m. drive to work, a deer pokes its head out from behind the trees along the roadside. The measures you take in the next few seconds will most likely define not only your own safety, but that of the animal and perhaps other motorists.
Let’s face it, our state is at the top or near every year when it comes to accidents encompassing deer.
“Pennsylvania every year is always among the top states for wildlife-vehicle collisions,” said Stephanie Wein, a clean water and conservation advocate for PennEnvironment.
2023 was no different.
Figures compiled by State Farm show that Pennsylvanians have a 1-in-59 chance of being involved in an animal-related crash, the third highest in the nation. Neighboring West Virginia ranked number one. And according to PennDOT data, there were 5,849 deer-related crashes in Pennsylvania in 2023, resulting in 1,265 injuries and nine fatalities. The average cost of a deer-related collision is approximately $4,300, based on industry reports.
How can you avoid becoming part of these statistics?
First, it’s important to know that you are most apt to encounter deer if you live in a rural area, but they’re a threat even if you’re driving in the suburbs or on the highway. Being aware of when you’re most apt to spot deer on the road can help keep you – and them – safe.
According to a survey taken by State Farm, the most perilous months for animal collisions are November, October and December, in that order.
The most common situation to hit wildlife entails driving on a paved, rural road minus much traffic, when the sky is not entirely dark. Results from the survey showed that between 30 percent and 50 percent of drivers had an accident involving an animal during these circumstances, says the insurer.
The survey also pointed out that just one unsafe driving action, such as speeding or using a cellphone, boosted the risk of an animal collision by 23 percent.
Okay, what steps can you take to help avoid hitting a deer?
Assume they have friends
If you spot a deer near the road, more are likely to follow. Deer simply don’t travel alone. “Often times, a motorist will hit a deer after they’ve seen another one,” says Moriah Boggess, a deer biologist. “Deer are often confused, they don’t necessarily understand the direction of travel or what’s happening on that road. They’re prone to quick movements and maybe running in a new direction because they’re frightened.”
Slow down and blow our horn
If you can see a deer ahead or on the side of the road, honk your horn. One long blast will help frighten the deer away, in addition to warning any close by drivers of the hazard.
Brake, don’t swerve
Swerving to avoid colliding with an animal can put you at jeopardy of hitting another vehicle or completely losing control of your vehicle. It can also confuse the animal as to which direction to go. Instead, simply slow down as fast and carefully as possible. Your chances of surviving an accident are much improved when hitting an animal than colliding with another vehicle.
Be extra careful during high-risk travel times
Deer are nocturnal, so the most hazardous periods for driving in deer territory are dusk and dawn. Be extra attentive around heavily wooden areas, spots where you are aware deer are often spotted, and wherever you observe a deer-crossing road sign.
Be more alert in particular areas
Yes, watch for deer-crossing signs and wooded areas where animals are likely to travel. In addition, if you use the same route to and from work each day, you may observe deer grazing in the same fields. Create a mental note of when and where you routinely spot these animals.
Monitor your speed
Speed is a huge issue in deer-vehicle collisions. When you’re driving during peak deer travel times of the day or season, slow down.
Upgrade your headlights
Choose LED or HID bulbs rather than conventional halogen. Both create a brighter light that makes it less troublesome to spot animals at a distance.
Use your high beams
If you’re driving in a low-light area with hardly any or no streetlamps, switch on your high beams for better visibility. Of course, be sure to dim them if you see another vehicle approaching.
Do NOT rely on deer whistles
These are gadgets that some drivers put on their front bumpers to scare off animals. The problem is animal behavior is still erratic, even if you use one of these devices. State Farm advises, “No scientific evidence supports that car-mounted deer whistles work.”
Buckle up/Wear helmets
Many states, including Pennsylvania, have seat belt laws for a good reason. They can help protect you if you’re in an accident, whether with an animal or another vehicle. An Insurance Institute for Highway Safety study uncovered that most of the victims killed in animal-vehicle collisions simply weren’t wearing their seat belts. What’s more, motorcycle riders make up more than half of these casualties, and among that group, almost half the riders who died were not wearing helmets!
What to do if you hit a deer
Okay, let’s assume you’ve done everything you could to avoid hitting a deer, but sometimes it’s simply unavoidable. Stay calm and follow these steps:
- Pull off the road and turn on your emergency lights. This will warn other drivers to stop or slow down. Be vigilant of oncoming traffic.
- Call 911. Report the accident to the local authorities who can safely remove the deer from the roadway.
- Don’t go near the deer. A deer that has been hit may be injured and terrified and could attack you. Their antlers and hooves are particularly sharp, so it’s safest to keep away and leave it to the authorities to deal with.
- Document the scene. Take a photo or video of your dented vehicle as well as the accident scene. Take note of the date, time and location of the accident. Get the names, addresses and telephone numbers of anyone else involved, especially any witnesses. Collecting this information will help your claims adjuster manage your claim faster.
Hit a deer? You can rely on the professionals at Becker Body Shop. For over 50 years, we’ve been aiming to provide our customers with quality workmanship and service and our talented staff have the knowledge and experience to restore your car to good-as-new condition.
