SAFE DRIVING: AAA has offered tips for motorists this fall to help them avoid hitting deer, so we thought we’d pass them along to our readers.
We know we see deer regularly on our drive home.
According to a press release from AAA, “Fewer daylight hours and a spike in deer activity during the fall months increases the chances of a crash on roadways. Last year, there were more than 3,000 reportable crashes throughout Pennsylvania, resulting in more than 500 injuries and eleven fatalities, PennDOT reports.
“A deer encounter is also costly to your car. AAA East Central estimates that the damage could range from a couple hundred dollars, to a total loss. The average car vs. deer collision claim is roughly $2,500.”
AAA Safety Advisor J.J. Miller had this to say about the topic: “Drivers need to observe some very important safety tips to avoid thousands of dollars in unwanted repair bills and injuries. Avoiding a deer can be tricky for Pennsylvania drivers, especially in November and December when most automobile/deer crashes occur.”
The organization offered these tips:
• Be careful at dawn and dusk. Deer are most active during these times of the day, and driver visibility is poor.
• Don’t swerve. If a deer darts out in front of you, brake firmly but resist the urge to swerve. This could cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
• Where there is one, there are others. Deer tend to travel in groups, so expect others to follow.
• Expect them to run. Slow down when approaching deer that are near the side of the road.
• Obey the warning signs. Deer crossing signs indicate areas that have had a large number of deer vs. car accidents.
What to do if you hit a deer on the roadway
• Keep your distance if the deer isn’t killed. The animal may recover and move on
• Do not try to move the deer. A frightened and wounded deer can hurt you or further injure itself. It’s best to call 911
• Contact your auto insurance company as soon as possible
• Take pictures to document the crash
Happy driving, Readers!
