For the last month or so, you may have witnessed deer lying on the side of the road that have been hit by automobiles. October to December marks mating season for deer, which means they are in abundance and may act erratically as these months activate physiological changes to get them ready to mate. What this may mean to you is to be cautious on or near the roadways and learn safe ways to avoid hitting a deer.
Safety Tips to Avoid a Deer Collision, but Not Limited to:
Statistics show that every year in the U.S., approximately 2.1 million collisions occur involving deer, which is why you need to follow some helpful guidelines during this time of the year to avoid this type of collision. The helpful tips include:
Be Cautious at Dawn and Dusk- During mating season, deer are on the move primarily during early mornings when the sun is coming up or at dusk when the sun is going down. If you are traveling during these times, always be extra cautious and be on the lookout for deer in or near the roadways.
Use Your High Beams- By using high beams, you can increase your visibility around wooded areas along the roadways to alert of any deer that may cross into your path.
Never Swerve- If a deer does jump out in front of you, don’t swerve. Apply your brakes and stay in your lane. The impact with a deer is likely going to generate less damages than if you swerve into another lane or an oncoming lane into another vehicle.
Pay Attention to Deer Crossing Signs- Certain areas of the roadways/highways have posted yellow crossing signs. If there is signage, you can bet there has been significant sightings of deer and/or known auto accidents, so be especially cautious when in those designated areas.
Wear Your Seat belt- Using your seat belt is essential, as an impact with a deer can cause an accident with significant damages to you, the animal, and your vehicle. This can protect you from further injuries.
Proceed With Caution- If you do see a deer, keep in mind that they run in packs so if you see one, there are most likely others around
4 Actions to Take if You Do Hit a Deer
No matter how careful you are, you may still end up having an accident, so what’s next? Read on for some key tips to follow to keep you safe:
- Immediately Pull Over- If your car is drivable, move your car to a safe place off the roadway and turn on hazards so your car will be visible to others.
- Assess the Damages to Your Car– While doing so, stay away from the deer if it is still in the road as an injured deer can lunge or strike out. Take photos of your cars damages and determine if they are significant enough to call the police.
- Contact the Police- If your vehicle has significant damages and you have injuries, it is recommended you contact 911 right away to report the auto accident.
- Contact Your Local Independent Insurance Agent- When in doubt, it is always recommended you contact us at Burkett & Associates to help you decide whether you should initiate a claim or not. We can inform you of the specifics on your Alabama auto insurance policy and whether you have coverage.
Safety Is Key!
Burkett & associates understands the need for safety while operating your vehicle. If you have any questions or concerns about driving during mating season, contact us immediately at 256-704-7400. We are here for all your Alabama auto insurance needs.
