Dodge the Deer: Safe Driving Tips for Deer Season
The autumn season is filled with fun activities like bonfires, holidays, hunting, and football. However, it’s also a time when deer are particularly active, specifically from October to January. This heightened activity increases the risk of deer-related car accidents, especially in rural areas. While it’s nearly impossible to predict when a deer might run in front of your moving vehicle, there are several safe driving tips you can practice to reduce potential damage.
How to drive safe during deer season
Stay alert
When driving on rural roads early in the morning or late at night, it’s crucial to stay extra alert. Pay close attention to the shoulders of the road, especially in heavily forested areas. Some areas may even have deer crossing signs, which typically indicate a higher likelihood of deer activity. Since deer often travel in groups, spotting one usually means there’s more close by.
Turn on high beams
Driving with high beams or brighter lights can illuminate a wider and longer stretch of the road, giving you a better view from a distance. Having a clearer sight of the road can give you more time to react if you see deer up ahead. Driving with your high beams can also help you see the reflective eyes of deer. Just remember to turn off your high beams when other cars approach.
Slow down
If you see deer on the shoulder or in the road, slow down. Driving at slower speeds gives you more time to react if a deer suddenly appears, reducing the chances of a collision. Maintaining control while you’re behind the wheel is something you may not have if you speed on windy roads where deer are present. Driving slower can also minimize damage to your vehicle if a collision with a deer does occur. Leave plenty of space between your car and any other vehicle to reduce the risk of an accident.
Avoid swerving
Swerving is a natural reaction for drivers when something runs out in the road. However, swerving off the road could potentially cause more damage to your car than hitting the deer itself. Swerving can cause you to lose control of your vehicle, which can lead to more severe accidents. Plus, deer are unpredictable and can change direction suddenly, so swerving may not always prevent a collision. If you veer out of your lane, you’re likely to drive into a ditch, hit a tree, or even collide with another vehicle. If a deer runs out in the road while you’re driving, it’s generally safer to hold tight on to your steering wheel with both hands and brake firmly.
What to do if you hit a deer
Stay calm
Hitting a deer can be scary, but remaining steady and in control is the key. If you have passengers in the car at the time of the impact, make sure they are free of injuries. If your car is drivable, move it to a safe location off the road and turn on your hazard lights to prevent further accidents. Don’t get out of your vehicle until you’re out of the road and in a safe area.
Don’t touch the deer
Even if a deer is struck by a car, it might survive and escape the scene of the accident. Injured deer can be potentially dangerous, so it’s best to keep your distance in case of a sudden reaction. If the deceased deer is in the road and could be a hazard to other drivers, call your local authorities.
Document the damage
If it’s safe to do so, take pictures of the damage. Capture images of the scene, your vehicle, and the deer. and any property damage. These images can be helpful when you file your insurance claim.
Ensure your car is safe to drive
After an accident with a deer, some drivers might think their car is safe to drive. However, even after a minor collision, it’s important to make sure everything works properly before driving away. Driving a damaged car is not only dangerous for you as the driver but can also cause damage to other drivers. Check for tire damage, fluid leaks, and any broken parts. If the deer hit the front of your car, make sure the hood latches securely before you continue driving.
Notify your insurance provider
After you hit a deer, contact your insurance company. The faster you report your accident, the quicker the claims process can begin. Your insurance agent can walk you through all the details they need in order for your insurance coverage to come into play.
If you’re an Alfa® customer, there are several convenient ways to report a claim: you can contact your local agent, call our Customer Resource Center at 1-800-964-2532, visit AlfaInsurance.com, or use the Alfa2Go® mobile app.
It’s important to have sufficient comprehensive coverage to protect against various risks like theft, glass breakage, and animal collisions. Comprehensive auto coverage can help you steer clear of paying out of pocket for vehicle damages not just during deer season, but year round. To learn more about auto insurance coverages, contact your local Alfa agent.