Information provided by Erie Insurance
Autumn is beautiful, but it also introduces some fall driving hazards… deer collisions being one of them. From October to December, mating and hunting season make deer go on the move. For drivers, that means you’re more likely to hit one.
According to a 2022 study published in the journal Current Biology, about 2.1 million deer-vehicle collisions happen in the U.S. each year, causing more than $10 billion in economic losses. But have you ever wondered how your auto insurance can cover hitting a deer? Are deer collisions covered by comprehensive or collision coverage?
Before you get too worried, here are some helpful tips on how to avoid hitting a deer.
- Know where the deer are likely to be. Areas with high deer populations are normally marked with a bright yellow sign. Deer also tend to graze in wooded areas or open fields. When driving your usual route to work, be attentive to areas where you’ve seen deer in the past – they are likely to cross there again.
- Be alert at sunrise and sunset. Deer are more active during dawn and dusk hours.
- Use your high beams. When possible, use your high beams for better visibility. The extra light will help make it easier to spot a deer, or other animals, lurking alongside the road.
- Don’t rely on deer gadgets. Whether it’s a deer whistle, deer fence or other type of product to scare away the deer… don’t rely solely on them to keep deer away. Research isn’t exact on whether or not these products truly work.
- When you see one… you’ll probably see more. Deer travel in groups. If one comes across your path, proceed with caution in case there are more.
- Don’t swerve. Swerving isn’t always the safest option. Hitting a deer might often cause less damage than swerving to avoid it… and then hitting a more dangerous obstacle, like a vehicle in oncoming traffic.
- Wear your seat belt. If you do hit a deer, wearing a seat belt decreases your chances of injury.
- Spread the word. When friends or family head out on the road, let them know to be careful and alert. Even a simple reminder can help prevent deer collisions.