Hitting a deer could cost you more than $6000, here are some ways to prevent a collision
CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO (KBSI) – Deer collisions are more common during fall with decreased daylight hours and peak mating season for deer.
The American Automobile Association (AAA) has tips on how to prevent a crash or reduce damage from an animal collision.
- Pay attention to road signs indicating deer activity
- Reduce distractions and keep your eyes on the road
- Be extra alert during early morning and evening hours
- Use high beams when there isn’t oncoming traffic
- Slow down if you see a deer, there are likely more close by
AAA Missouri spokesperson Nick Chabarria also gave tips on how to reduce damage from an animal collision. He said resist the urge to swerve.
“Don’t panic,” Chabarria said. “Keep control of the vehicle, take your foot off of the gas, start to apply slow pressure to the brakes, and basically anticipate the impact.”
Chabarria said slamming on the brakes can make it worse.
“Slamming on the brakes causes the front end of your vehicle to tip forward,” Chabarria said, “and if you do collide with the animal, that could cause the deer to roll up onto your hood and through the windshield and potentially become more of a safety hazard to you and passengers in the vehicle.”
AAA insurance reports that the average deer-related claim can cost more than $6,600. It recommends people check their insurance coverage, stating that collision coverage pays for damage to a car resulting from a collision with an object, such as a telephone pole or mailbox, but doesn’t necessarily cover collisions with animals.
