Every Pennsylvanian knows that deer dart into traffic without warning, especially during autumn. While it can sometimes be impossible to avoid hitting one, you can follow a few tips to help minimize the likelihood of it happening.
How to Avoid Deer on a Highway
Below are a few suggestions to lessen the chances of hitting a deer with your car:
- Drive defensively. Stay on the lookout for deer and avoid distractions by not texting or eating while behind the wheel.
- Be aware when driving through an area with a large deer population. Those roads signs with deer on them are good indicators that deer are a common sighting. Remain vigilant.
- Expect the unexpected. Deer can suddenly jump out from hidden places, such as behind trees and bushes. If you are driving at the speed limit, you increase the odds that you will be able to brake in time.
- Try not to swerve. Often, the first instinct when seeing a deer is to swerve out of the way. Yet doing so could put you in the other lane, which could cause even greater problems. It is better to hit a deer than move out of your lane of traffic.
- Pay special attention at the beginning and end of the day. Deer are especially active at daybreak and dusk, so use caution when driving during these timeframes.
- Use high beams. When it is dark or becoming dark, rely on your high beams if you have no oncoming traffic. High beams help you spot deer that might otherwise be hidden.
- Remember that deer travel together. See a deer at the side of the road? Odds are, more deer are just out of sight.
As a side note, be sure to pass these hints along to young drivers. Many new drivers are unsure how to react to deer crossing their paths. Having a little upfront knowledge could mitigate a catastrophe.
What to Do If You Hit a Deer
Of course, you may still hit a deer even if you try your hardest to avoid a collision. In that situation, you will need to take the right steps.
First, try to stay calm. Pull your vehicle to the side of the road if at all possible. You want to get out of the line of moving traffic. Put on your emergency blinkers to alert any other vehicles that you have stopped. Do not approach the injured deer or try to move it. A deer is an unpredictable creature. Leave the deer where it is.
Next, assess the damage to your vehicle. A crash with a deer can cause everything from a few scratches or dents to significant crumpling. Take images of the crash so you can use them later when you file a claim with your auto insurance provider. Do not drive your vehicle if it is leaking fluids or seems in bad shape.
Call 911 or your local police if your damage is extensive. Let them know you have been in an accident and have hit a deer. Even if your accident is not serious, you may still want to call them simply to let them know about the deer carcass.
Finally, call your insurance carrier to start your claim.
If you need an auto insurance policy that can provide coverage in the event of hitting a deer, get in touch with Strock Insurance. We work to provide you with the best policies at affordable rates.
