Fall is a beautiful time of year, but it also bring an increased risk for drivers… deer activity.
As temperatures cool and daylight hours become shorter, deer become more active, particularly around dawn and dusk. Fall is also breeding season, which can cause deer to move more frequently and unpredictably.
For drivers in Pennsylvania, New York, and surrounding areas, seeing a deer along the side of the road is a familiar experience. Knowing how to respond and understanding what your auto insurance may cover can help you be better prepared.
Why are deer collisions more common in the fall?
Deer can be active throughout the year but fall presents several factors that increase the likelihood of seeing them near roadways.
During mating season, deer may travel more frequently and crossroads unexpectedly. The shorter days also mean more people commuting during the hours when deet are most active.
You may be particularly likely to encounter deer:
- Around dawn and dusk
- In wooded or rural areas
- Near fields and open land
- Along roads bordered by trees or brushes
- During October and November, when deer activity tends to increase
Remember that where there is one deer, there may be more. Deer often travel in groups, so seeing one cross the road should prompt you to slow down and watch for others.
How do you reduce your risk of hitting a deer?
While you can’t completely eliminate the risk of a collision, there are steps you can take to improve your chances of avoiding one.
- Slow Down and Stay Alert. Pay close attention when driving through areas where deer are common, especially during dawn and dusk. Reducing your speed gives you more time to react if a deer suddenly enters the roadway.
- Use Your High Beams When Appropriate. When driving on a dark road without oncoming traffic, high beams can improve visibility and help you spot deer near the roadway. Be sure to switch to low beams when approaching other vehicles.
- Watch The Roadside. Don’t focus only on what’s directly in front of your vehicle. Watch the shoulders and edges of the road for movement or the reflection of headlights in a deer’s eyes.
- Take Deer Crossing Signs Seriously. Deer crossing signs are placed in areas where deer activity has been observed. They aren’t a guarantee that you’ll encounter a deer, but they are a good reminder to slow down and stay alert.
- Be Especially Careful on Two Lane and Rural Roads. Rural roads often have wooded areas, fields, and limited lighting, creating conditions where deet can be difficult to spot until they’re already near the roadway.
What should you do if a deer runs into the road?
A dear can appear suddenly, leaving you with very little time to react. If you see a deer ahead you should attempt the following:
- Stay In Your Lane and Brake Firmly. Your first instinct may be to swerve, but swerving can cause you to lose control or collide with another vehicle, tree, utility pole, or other object.
- Do Not Intentionally Accelerate Toward The Deer. Try to reduce your speed as much as possible while maintaining control of your vehicle.
- Use Your Horn. A quick, steady, blast may encourage the deer to keep moving, although there is no guarantee it will respond as expected.
- Stay Alert For Additional Deer. If one deer crosses the road, others likely are following. Be cautious of other deer if you see one.
What should you do if you hit a deer?
Even careful drivers can end up in a collision. If you hit a deer, your first priority is safety.
If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location away from traffic and turn on your hazard lights. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries and call 911 if anyone needs emergency assistance.
If the vehicle is safe to operate, take photos of the damage and surrounding area. Avoid approaching the deer, as an injured animal can be unpredictable.
You should also contact your insurance agent or company as soon as you can to report the claim and find out what steps to take next.
Does your auto insurance cover hitting a deer?
A collision with a deer is generally covered under the comprehensive portion if an auto insurance policy, rather than collision coverage.
Comprehensive coverage can help pay for damage to your vehicle caused by events such as hitting an animal, theft, vandalism, fire, and certain weather-related losses, subject to your policy’s terms, conditions, limits, and deductibles.
It’s important to understand that coverage can vary based on your individual policy. If you’re not sure whether your vehicle has comprehensive coverage or what deductible applies, contact your insurance professional for clarification.
Review your coverage before deer season.
Fall is a good time to review your auto insurance, particularly if you haven’t looked at your policy recently.
Make sure you understand your comprehensive and collision coverage, know your deductibles, and have appropriate coverage for the vehicles you drive.
It’s also a good idea to make sure you have easy access to your insurance ID cards and policy information. With Gannon Access, Gannon Associates Insurance clients can access their insurance information when they need it.
Stay alert this fall.
Deer are a part of living and driving in our region, and fall is one of the times when drivers need to be especially cautious. Slowing down, staying alert, and knowing how to respond can help reduce the risk of a collision.
While you can’t always prevent an accident, understanding your auto insurance coverage can help you feel more prepared if the unexpected happens.
