Deer-Vehicle Collisions Can Cost Big Bucks

In many states, deer migration and mating season falls between October and December. Because deer tend to be on the move, the number of cars that come across them on the roads also peaks during autumn. There are now more than 1.6 million deer-vehicle collisions a year in the United States, with total costs exceeding $4.6 million in vehicle damage, medical payments, and out-of-pocket expenses. Regrettably, thousands of people also suffer injuries and roughly 200 people die as a result of car accidents involving deer.¹

While the deer population continues to grow, new neighborhoods have forced area wildlife from their traditional habitats. These trends help explain why it is more common for deer to wander into areas occupied by more people and their automobiles. In fact, the number of accidents involving cars and deer increased 21.1% between July 2008 and June 2010 compared with a period five years earlier, yet the number of motorists rose only 2% in the same time frame.²

Despite the growing risk, there are a few ways to help reduce your chances of being involved in a crash caused by wildlife and to help protect you financially if an unavoidable accident occurs.

Wildlife Watch: Tips for Drivers

• Understand animal behavior and tendencies. Keep in mind that deer are more likely to appear near busy roads or highways in cities and suburbs, not just in rural areas. Deer are often unpredictable and may suddenly dart into traffic if startled by lights, sounds, or unexpected movements. They also travel in groups, so if you see one watch closely for others that may be nearby. Deer are not the only animals known to cause accidents. Collisions with moose, stray cattle, wild pigs, or large birds may also pose a potential risk in your area.
• Proceed with caution. The highest-risk times for deer-vehicle collisions are from sunset to midnight and the early morning hours just before and after sunrise. Some parts of the country have larger deer populations and, in general, places where roads divide agricultural fields from wooded areas may also be more hazardous. Be especially alert and drive slowly when traveling through known deer-crossing zones — and don’t count on deer fences, whistles, or reflectors because they may not be effective. Using your high-beam headlights at night may help you spot the eyes of a deer on or near the road.
• How should you react if a deer enters your sights? Brake firmly, but try not to swerve. Staying in your lane may help you avoid hitting another car or losing control of your vehicle. If you hit a deer, it’s usually best to stay away from an injured animal that could try to harm you while frightened.
• Take steps to protect yourself. A study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that 60% of people who did not survive crashes involving animals were not wearing seatbelts (65% of motorcycle riders who died were not wearing helmets).³

Review Your Auto Policy

Deer-vehicle collisions can be expensive — the average insurance claim is more than $3,100.⁴ It is important for car owners to understand that only the optional comprehensive portion of an auto insurance policy may reimburse policy holders for loss resulting from contact with animals such as deer; collision coverage typically does not apply under these circumstances. In addition to animal collisions, comprehensive also covers theft and pays for damage (up to the policy limits) to your own car resulting from vandalism, falling or flying objects, fire, explosions, earthquakes, and weather-related risks such as a flood.

A lender may require comprehensive coverage until a loan is paid off, but it is optional coverage that is sometimes sacrificed for the sake of lower premiums when a car is owned outright. It may be a good idea to review your auto policy and consider whether you have adequate coverage for deer collisions and other incidents that could happen unexpectedly to your vehicle.

1–4) Insurance Information Institute, 2010

The information in this article is not intended as tax or legal advice, and it may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. You are encouraged to seek tax or legal advice from an independent professional advisor. The content is derived from sources believed to be accurate. Neither the information presented nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. This material was written and prepared by Emerald. © 2011 Emerald Connect, Inc.