Cars and Deer: A Dangerous Combination
When you’re out on the road, looking for deer is probably not your highest priority. However, car accidents involving deer are often dangerous and can sometimes even be deadly.
Cars and deer can indeed be a lethal combination. More and more roads are being built through wildlife habitats. This has resulted in deer being displaced from their natural habitat. They are ending up on busy roads, causing serious accidents.
Accidents with deer are a growing concern and they are absolutely a concern in Texas. The state ranks among the states with the highest number of deer-vehicle collisions due to an unusually high deer population. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, there are more than 18,000 crashes involving deer every year. These crashes tend to happen during the fall months (October, November, and December) due to the deer mating season. This coincides with increased deer activity and the end of daylight saving time.
These crashes are dangerous, causing roughly 200 deaths every year. In addition, deer-vehicle accidents cost more than $4 billion in vehicle damage annually.
It can be hard to spot deer at dusk and dawn, especially during the shorter days of fall. Many deer-vehicle collisions occur on rural roads with limited lighting. They also occur in areas of high traffic, especially during peak deer activity.
If you get into a crash with a deer, you may be covered if you have the right insurance. Damage caused by an accident with deer or other animals is covered under the comprehensive portion of an automobile insurance policy. If you have collision coverage, that is not enough. Comprehensive auto insurance includes coverage for damages such as collisions with deer and other animals as well as fire, theft, vandalism, flood, earthquake or explosion, hail, windstorm, falling or flying objects, and windshield damage.
To mitigate the risk, drivers can do the following:
- Pay attention to road signs. Look for yellow, diamond-shaped signs with an image of a deer, which indicate high levels of deer activity in the area.
- Keep your eyes on the road. Don’t be distracted. Stay alert and make sure you’re ready for when a deer comes out of nowhere.
- Be especially attentive during dusk and dawn. The early morning and evening hours are prime times for deer. They are most active from 5 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., when visibility may be reduced.
- Use high beams when possible. Turn on these lights when there’s no oncoming traffic. You’ll be able to spot deer and other animals sooner.
- Resist the urge to swerve. Instead, stay in your lane with both hands firmly on the wheel. Swerving can put you in the path of oncoming vehicles or cause you to crash into something.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
Cars and deer don’t mix. The results can be catastrophic and in some cases, even deadly.
Damage by deer is covered by comprehensive insurance. Do you have this coverage? Have legal questions? A Houston car accident attorney from The West Law Office, PLLC is here to answer them and look out for you. Fill out the online form or call (281) 347-3247 to schedule a consultation.
Surce:
insurancejournal.com/news/national/2012/10/24/267786.htm
