If you are planning on driving this deer season, you’re going to want to know some of the most important tips for avoiding hit and run deer accidents. It’s important to remember that the chances of you causing a collision are much higher during the season, but there are things you can do to keep from putting yourself in a dangerous position. Getting a police report, reducing your speed, and even reducing your likelihood of causing a multi-car accident are some of the ways you can prevent this type of accident.
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Most lawsuits against drivers who hit and run deer are likely to be lost
The deer, if you’re driving down the highway, may not be the best place to be, but it’s certainly not the worst. For starters, you can’t exactly get hit by a moose, so a tame pupper is the way to go. Aside from the obvious deer and elk, you’ll also want to watch out for hawks and owls. In the latter case, the best approach is to keep an ear out for a chirpy critter and be prepared to put some elbow grease in.
Also read: What to do if you hit a deer and it runs away in Michigan?
In a pinch, you could even take your dog for a spin. If you’re in the know, you’ll be able to avoid a potential mishap. One thing’s for sure, you’ll need to be alert on the roads and highways if you hope to get a few lucky nuggets.
Avoiding collisions during deer season
Deer-vehicle collisions are very dangerous. They can cause a serious injury to the driver and other drivers and can result in a significant amount of damage to the vehicle.
The most common deer-vehicle collisions occur on rural two-lane roads. Road design can affect the frequency of these crashes. When driving, use extra caution on freeways, four-lane roads with a large right of way and heavily wooded areas.
Avoiding collisions during deer season begins with a good road safety plan. Use caution during times of day when deer are most active, like dusk and dawn.
The most important tip for avoiding deer-vehicle collisions is to maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and the animal. If you cannot avoid the animal, you should slow down and move to the side of the road. This will give you more time to respond to other vehicles and to avoid the animal’s path.
Reducing your speed
If you are involved in a deer accident, it is a good idea to reduce your speed. This will help you avoid injury or damage to your car. It may also help you save the life of the deer.
Using a honking horn is another way to scare the animal away. You can also flash your high beams, as this can give the animal a warning and scare it into the other direction.
You can also reduce your speed by avoiding areas that are known to be populated with deer. There are signs and markers that can help you find areas that are deer-rich. However, there are no guarantees that you will not hit one.
Deer tend to be more active in the evening. To make sure you are not driving into a herd, keep an eye out for their tracks.
Getting a police report
If you’ve been in an accident with a deer, you should make a police report. This can be helpful for your insurance claims. However, you may have to wait a few days before the report can be processed.
While you’re waiting, you should document the event as best you can. This includes taking pictures of the scene and your vehicle. You can also call your insurer or a tow truck to make the appropriate arrangements.
The other important thing to do after a car-deer collision is to avoid causing further damage to your vehicle. Although the accident might not seem to be a big deal at first, it can turn into a costly mess. For example, if you don’t take care of the damaged area, you could have to pay for repairs that will end up costing more than your insurance premium.
Reducing your chances of causing a multi-car accident
If you live in a state that has a high deer population, then you need to be extra careful when driving. Deer are unpredictable and can attack you if you are not properly prepared.
There are many ways to avoid getting into a collision with a deer. Some tips to keep in mind include staying in your lane, using hazard lights, wearing your seatbelt and calling for help if you get into an accident.
Aside from causing a lot of property damage, hitting a deer can also result in personal injury. If you have a serious crash, make sure to call 911, turn on your hazard lights and report the accident to your local police.
Another thing to keep in mind is that deer are frightened by noise and whistles, so you may need to slow down when approaching them. You may also need to swerve to avoid hitting the animal.