ONYX

Avoiding Deer Collisions

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety estimates that last year there were over 1.5 million deer-to-vehicle collisions and 180 human deaths. Fortunately, there are some simple things all of us can do while driving to avoid or prevent a collision with a deer.

Stay alert! The best way to spot a deer is to look for movement on the side of the road. Most often, deer are seen at dawn or dusk. Remember that deer frequently travel in herds; missing one deer doesn't mean that another isn't nearby. The most likely time of year to strike a deer is during the hunting or mating season, between October and December.

If you are faced with a deer collision, there are a few important points to remember. The most important is to turn your vehicle to the right and not to the left. If you must pull out of your lane to avoid a collision, turn your vehicle to the right as far as needed, off the road if necessary. Never pull into the opposite lane, as his could lead to a head-on collision with another vehicle, which is likely to be worse than hitting the deer itself.

Remember to travel at a speed that is appropriate to the area and the conditions; the slower you are traveling, the more time and options you have. If you must leave the road, do so by simply guiding the car off the road, avoiding sudden and forceful actions. If possible, try to gently guide the car back onto the road. Slamming on the gas or the brakes when turn off or back onto the road can be more dangerous than simply guiding the car where you intend for it to go.

Always watch where you are going instead of watching the animal, because that might cause you to steer towards the deer. If you must hit something when you turn off the road, try to hit it off-center of the vehicle to decrease the potential for driver and passenger injury and vehicle damage.

If a collision with a deer cannot be avoided and the deer is struck, there are a few simple guidelines to follow. Immediately inspect the damage to the vehicle and, if possible, move the vehicle off the road. Make sure your hazard lights are on. If the vehicle is immobile, make sure to set up the traffic devices such as fluorescent triangles or flares, if possible. Never attempt to touch or move the deer – remember they are wild animals that are likely to try to defend themselves.

Remember, slow down, stay alert and stay safe!

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