Driving Safety Tips for Deer Season

Deer season has arrived. The Knoepfler Chevrolet Collision Center has seen many damaged vehicles come in due to deer collisions. Here are a few statics and driving safety tips to help avoid an accident during deer season:

Statistics:

• Dawn and dusk are the times you are most likely to encounter deer along the roadside, however, you should still be watchful at all times.
• Deer breeding season runs from October - January. During this time deer are most active and likely to be on the move, causing this to be the peak season for deer collisions.
• Deer are most frequently found on the outskirts of town in highly wooded areas, but have been known to be in suburban areas as well.  
• Deer almost never travel alone. If you see one, there is probably one or more nearby.

Driving Safety Tips:

1. Slow down. If you are driving in a heavily wooded area or one with deer crossing signs, slow down and observe the speed limit. You will have more time to spot a deer and brake if you going at a slower speed.

2. Wear your seatbelt. You should always be wearing your seatbelt when you are in a moving vehicle. One statistic from Driving Ambition says, "In 60% of the accidents involving human fatalities with animal-vehicle collisions, the fatality was caused not by the collision with the deer, but failure to wear a safety belt."

3. Be on the lookout. If you see glowing eyes or a deer silhouette on the roadside, slow down, check your surroundings and proceed with caution.

4. Use your high beams. Be sure to have your high beams on whenever there isn't oncoming traffic. This will help you better spot a deer and also may scare off the deer from approaching.

5. Do not swerve. Its the driver's instinct to swerve to miss the oncoming deer, but swerving can actual increase the likelihood of vehicle damage and injuries. Swerving increase your risk of hitting another vehicle or losing control of your vehicle.

6. Take care of your vehicle. Ensuring that your brakes and tires are in good shape can help protect you if you need to react in an instant. The Knoepfler Chevrolet Service Department can handle your vehicle needs.

If you do get into a collision, be sure to check for injuries and call 911 if needed. Also report the accident to your insurance company. If your vehicle is damaged, the Knoepfler Chevrolet Collision Center is here to work with your insurance company and get your vehicle repaired as quickly as possible.

Sources:
http://blog.allstate.com/5-safe-driving-tips-for-deer-season/
http://www.drivingambitioninc.com/blog/oh-deer-top-safe-driving-tips-to-prepare-you-for-deer-season
https://www.geico.com/information/publications/newsletter/2009/deer-safety/