DEER: We don’t know about you guys, but we’ve seen a lot of deer in the road lately on our way home from work.
A lot.
AAA East Central describes the issue: “Fewer daylight hours and a spike in deer activity during the fall months increase the chances of a crash on roadways. Animal collisions become more common this time of year, with peak breeding season taking place in November.”
While you can’t change what deer do, you can change your own driving style. Brett Schurter, vice president of the AAA East Central Insurance Agency, recommends “remaining alert and limiting distractions.”
AAA offers these tips to keep yourself safe:
• Don’t swerve. If a deer darts out in front of you, brake firmly but resist the urge to swerve. This could cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
• Where there is one, there are others. Deer tend to travel in groups, so expect others to follow.
• Expect them to run. Slow down when approaching deer that are near the side of the road.
• Obey the warning signs. Deer crossing signs indicate areas that have had a large number of deer vs. car accidents.
• Keep your eyes moving back and forth. Continuously sweep your eyes across the road in front of you for signs of animals and movement. Animals may also be alongside the road, so make sure to look to the right and left, as well. While the most likely accident is you hitting an animal, on occasion they might also hit you by running into the side of your car.
• Be especially attentive in early morning and evening hours. Many animals, especially deer, are most active from 5 to 8 a.m. and 5 to 8 p.m., prime commuting times for many people.
• Use high beams when there’s no oncoming traffic. You can spot animals sooner. Sometimes the light reflecting off their eyes will reveal their location.
• Always wear a seatbelt. The chances of getting injured when hitting an animal are much higher if you don’t have your seatbelt on. Also never drive drunk, distracted or drowsy.
If you do hit a deer, keep your distance from the deer if it survives. Don’t try to move it — both for its safety and your own. AAA recommends instead calling 911 for assistance. Also, call the auto insurance company ASAP and take photographs.
