Did you hear the one about the guy who proposed that we move deer crossing signs "to a place where deer can cross safely"? The story's funny, but the problem is real: Watch for deer, especially in November.
This is mating season for deer. The males are crashing around the woods looking for fights. The females and fawns, meanwhile, are bunched up looking for late-season food, and hunting season drives them closer to populated areas, where they've learned the guns aren't.
Did you know? There are over 1 million car accidents with deer killing 200 Americans, causing more than 10,000 personal injuries, and resulting in $1 billion in vehicle damage each year (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). According to State Farm Insurance, more of those car accidents occur in November than in any other month.
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Be especially cautious in deer areas in the hours around dawn and dusk. Slow down, and scan the roadside ahead for the glow of an animal's eyes before it enters the roadway. And be aware that when one deer crosses, there will often be more ahead of or behind it on either side of the road.
If a deer or other large animal does jump into the road, your first instinct is to steer to avoid the collision. But swerving often confuses the deer as to which way to run, and it may take you off the road or into a tree, resulting in far more severe injury and property damage. It's best to stay in your lane, maintain control, and use your brakes rather than your wheel.
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If you hit the animal, pull to the side of the road as soon as possible. Don't remain in the roadway to retrieve or rescue the deer. Report an injured or dead animal to police, and if there is damage to your car, file an accident report. Damage to your vehicle is covered by comprehensive insurance coverage; a police report is the best way to document the cause.
We live where the deer are. Be careful out there.
Mike Bottaro is founder of The Bottaro Law Firm, a Rhode Island personal injury law firm. Mike often writes on safety and car accident law.
