Caution….. Deer Season

When deer season rolls around, an increase in auto accidents occurs. When deer season starts  they are far more active and likely to run out in the road. This can be catastrophic for drivers who aren't thinking about it; hitting a large animal can cause damage to the car and injury to passengers. If you'll be out driving during deer season, follow these safety tips. Deer season generally runs from mid October through the December.

1- Know the Worst Times
You’re unlikely to encounter a deer in the middle of the afternoon, regardless of whether or not it is deer season. However, driving safety is particularly important during the early morning hours and in the late evening, around sunrise and sunset. This is when the animals come out from their hiding places in the woods to feed. If you'll be driving during these times, keep a lookout to your right and left.

2- Look for Signs
In most states, deer crossing signs are posted in areas where deer are known to frequent, such as along rural routes and in neighborhoods that have just been constructed. Keep a lookout for these signs, and take heed wherever they are posted. Driving too fast or recklessly could cause a serious accident.

3- Expect a Friend
Deer are sociable animals who often travel in twos, threes, fours, and even large groups. Just because you've narrowly missed one deer doesn't mean his buddies aren't far behind. You can alert other passing drivers by flicking your lights or your hazards, and don't hesitate to stop altogether if you think you might hit a deer.

4- Use Your Horn

If you see a deer in the road while driving, honk your horn once or twice to scare him in another direction. The loud noise is usually sufficient to send him fleeing back into the woods. Often, during deer season, the animals are slow to react and easily confused.

5- Avoid Swerving
Unless you have no other option; avoid swerving to the left or right when confronted with a deer in the road. The animal might not be able to think quickly enough about which way to flee, and will very likely run in the direction of your swerve. It is better to hit the brakes firmly to bring your car to a stop and allow the deer to decide which way to go.

6- Don't Touch an Injured Deer
If you're driving down the road and happen to hit a deer, don't attempt to offer assistance to the animal. If it is still conscious, it will likely flail about with its hooves and may even attempt to bite you when you try to help. Instead, clear your car from the road if it's able to be driven and call the authorities to come deal with the situation.

7- Insurance Claim

Striking the deer with your car is considered an act of god for insurance purposes and will be filled as a comprehensive claim. Comprehensive claims generally have lower deductibles and they cannot adversely affect your car insurance rates / premiums, where as striking a guardrail or another vehicle is considered a collision claim and that may affect your rates depending upon your accident history and your insurance carrier.

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