The fall season is rapidly approaching, the temperature is gradually falling, and the mating season has begun. An estimated 1-2 million wildlife-vehicle collisions occur annually in the United States. Also, in Colorado alone, there are 3,300 deer-vehicle collisions reported each year. Furthermore, across the country, animal-vehicle collisions resulted in 26,000 injuries, 200 deaths, and $8 billion in auto and property damage. Here are some tips on what to do when you see a deer in your headlights and when you meet deer-related accidents.
Tips on How to Avoid Vehicle Collisions with Animals, specifically Deer-related Accidents
Meanwhile, Colorado has thousands of wildlife animals, particularly deer and elk. Also, Colorado’s deer population is estimated to be over 25,000, with white-tailed deer dominating. In addition, the Colorado Department of Transportation, in collaboration with other groups, developed an awareness program to reduce the number of animal-vehicle collisions. Moreover, “Wildlife on the Move” aims to inform motorists about the dangers of wildlife-vehicle collisions. Here are some tips to help prevent wildlife and deer-related accidents.
- First, the mating season starts when the temperature drops. Also, most wildlife animals usually mate from October to January. During the mating season, wildlife animals, especially deer, are less concerned about road surroundings. This is why car collisions involving wildlife animals, especially deer, are the highest during this time.
- Second, always remember that elks and deers belong to a herd. Also, if you see one, slow down in driving and expect more coming as elks and deers often travel by pack.
- Third, be aware of your surroundings when driving. Moreover, pay attention to road warnings indicating deer or animal crossing signs.
- Fourth, drive slowly and stay alert upon seeing highway deer crossing signs.
- Fifth, be alert during dawn and dusk since wildlife animals are most active during dark.
More Tips
- First, follow the safe driving speed limit since driving slowly gives enough reaction time for drivers to react in case of deer jumping in front of your car.
- Second, don’t swerve to avoid deer on the road. Never swerve instead, brake firmly and stay in your lane. Moreover, swerving may lead to loss of vehicle control. Also, it may lead to a more severe accident, like hitting other vehicles or properties. Damaging other property is more expensive than hitting a deer.
- Third, if you’re driving on a multilane road, it is best to stay safe in the middle lane, if allowed. Also, this gives the deer plenty of space to cross the road.
- Fourth, if you’re driving in wooded areas, honk your horn to scare deer away from the road. Studies have shown that mounted reflectors and deer whistles are ineffective in keeping deer away from vehicles.
- Fifth, turn your headlights on high beam settings to help spot animals at night. Only use a high beam setting when roads are clear, and there is no oncoming traffic. Turn off high beams when other cars are approaching.
- Sixth, always scan the sides of the road for signs of animal movements nearby. Also, watch out for the shining eyes of animals which may look like car headlights.
- Seventh, always wear your seatbelt when driving. Also, wearing a seatbelt is necessary, with or without deer crossing the roads. Seatbelts save drivers from severe physical injuries in car and deer-related accidents.
What Should You Do If You Hit a Deer on the Road
- First, check the area and pull to the side of the road.
- Second, turn on your hazard lights. Afterward, check the surroundings and make sure the area is safe before leaving the car.
- Third, if there are casualties involved, call the emergency services.
- Fourth, in case of property damage, call and inform the local police department.
- Fifth, do not approach the deer. It is dangerous to approach a frightened and confused deer. Then, inform the local police if the animal remains alive and lies on a dangerous part of the road.
- Sixth, document the scene. Also, take pictures of the road, the surroundings, vehicle damage, and any injuries sustained. If there were witnesses around, ask for a statement and contact numbers.
- Seventh, contact your insurer to report the accident and vehicle damage.
- Eight, inspect your car for any damages. Hitting a deer can cause vehicle damage. Of course, check for leaking fluids, tire damage, broken lights, or loose parts. Call a tow service company if you think your vehicle is unsafe to drive.
Am I Covered?
Wildlife and deer accidents may cause injury and property damage. In addition, auto insurance coverage varies according to state laws and driver’s needs. Also, drivers living in areas heavily populated with deer must have protection against deer-related auto accidents. Moreover, the risk of vehicle collisions with wildlife animals is one in every 116 American drivers. Consequently, If you live in an area with a large wildlife population like Colorado, better secure coverage that will protect you against wildlife-vehicle collisions. Furthermore, the standard auto insurance coverage does not cover drivers from vehicle collisions. Comprehensive coverage protects motorists against different covered perils, including deer collisions.
Types of Auto Insurance Coverage
Insurance companies offer various auto insurance coverages. Some coverages are mandatory according to your state laws. Some are optional and depend on the driver’s needs and preferences. Here are the six most common car policies insurers offer:
Liability Coverage
Most states require motorists to carry liability coverage. Drivers must purchase a minimum liability according to state laws and requirements. Liability coverage has two parts:
Bodily Injury Liability
If the insured driver causes an accident, this coverage will pay for the medical expenses of third-party injuries.
Property Damage Liability
This coverage will help you pay for the damage you caused to another vehicle while driving.
Uninsured (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage
Some states require drivers to purchase these coverages, while some are optional. It is essential to check your state laws for mandatory auto insurance coverage requirements. You may check the mandatory auto insurance coverage list for every state from the Insurance Information Institute.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM)
UM coverage will save you from medical or vehicular repair expenses in an auto accident involving an uninsured driver.
Underinsured Motorist Coverage UIM)
Underinsured drivers have auto insurance, but their coverage limit is insufficient for all related expenses. UIM coverage will help you pay for the exceeding medical and repair expenses in case you get hit by an underinsured driver.
States Requiring UM and UIM Coverage
- Connecticut
- District of Columbia (only UM coverage)
- Illinois
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Maryland
- Minnesota
- Missouri (only UM coverage)
- Nebraska
- New Jersey
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Oregon
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Vermont
- Virginia
- West Virginia
Collision Coverage
Property damage liability only covers third-party insurance claims. Collision coverage will help you pay for the damages you caused to your car. It will cover the expenses of your car repairs or replacement. The insurer will pay for the car’s actual cash value minus depreciation for totaled cars. This coverage is optional but often required for leased or loaned vehicles. Although a deer collision is a collision accident, it is not covered by collision coverage.
Comprehensive Coverage
This coverage protects car owners against covered perils. If your car gets damaged by a covered peril, comprehensive coverage will pay for the repair expenses. For totaled cars, the insurance company will pay for the replacement cost of your car. The replacement cost will be the car’s actual cash value minus depreciation. Though state laws do not typically require this coverage, car lenders and lessors often require this.
Covered Perils By Comprehensive Coverage
- Fire
- Earthquake
- Explosions
- Flood
- Falling objects
- Hail
- Windstorm
- Riot
- Missiles
- Vandalism
- Theft
- Collision with animals like deer-vehicle collision
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
PIP coverage helps pay for your medical expenses and other expenses associated with your injuries. It provides financial support to cover childcare expenses or loss of income.
States That Require PIP Coverage
- Arkansas
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- New Jersey
- New York
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Texas
- Utah
Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay)
MedPay will cover your and your passenger’s medical expenses in case of an accident. It covers the cost of medical visits, X-rays, surgeries, and more. Only two states require drivers to carry medical payments coverage. It includes Maine and Wisconsin.
State Laws and Requirements for Auto Insurance
The standard auto insurance coverage varies according to state laws and requirements. In the state of Colorado, all motorists must carry an auto insurance policy with the following coverages:
- A minimum of $25,000 covers bodily injury or death per person in an accident.
- $50,000 coverage limit for bodily injury or death for everyone involved in the accident.
- Property damage coverage amounting to $15,000 in every accident.
How to File an Auto Insurance Claim
- Contact the police and report the accident. Call 911 if someone needs medical treatment. Request a police report for claims purposes.
- Document and take pictures of the accident. Get the driver’s details if another vehicle is involved in the accident. Summarize what happened before, during, and after the accident.
- Report the accident to your insurance provider and open a claim.
- Submit all the necessary documents needed for your insurance claim. Communicate with your claims specialist to discuss settlement and payout.
- Wait for the insurance carrier’s decision about settlement and payout.
Whether driving for family or business trips, adhering to safe driving practices is essential to reduce deer-related accidents. Following simple driving precautions will make a big difference to your and your passenger’s safety. With all the hazards present in the roadway, defensive driving is beneficial. Secure car insurance coverage according to your needs to ensure you’re protected from all these types of road hazards. Whether hitting a deer or colliding with other vehicles, the AIS team is here to help drivers get protected. Call us now in Denver, CO, for a free auto and home insurance review.