Fall is almost upon us, and that means two things in Nebraska, football and deer on the roads. Whether you’re driving on the highway or in town, you need to be informed about what to do when deer are around. In Nebraska, there are nearly 10 thousand deer-related collisions per year, giving you a 1 in 150 chance of having one yourself. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, deer-vehicle accidents are the top animal-related claim in the U.S. Following these tips can help you avoid finding yourself in a similar situation.
Be alert.
Spotting a deer is, of course, a sign that they are active in the area. Look for clues as to where there might be higher deer traffic. If you do notice a deer or sign, slow down, and increase the space between you and surrounding cars. This will give you more time to react if a deer does cross in front of you.
Recruit your passengers.
The more people watching for deer, the better! Tell everyone to be on the lookout and warn you if they notice anything. This includes deer grazing in a field. Just remember they could have some friends with them.
Slow down.
Deer tend to be most active between sunset and sunrise, especially between 6-9 PM, when they are most active. Be sure to watch your speed, and avoid any and all distractions.
Light the way.
Don’t be afraid to use your high beams when there are no other cars around. This gives deer a chance to notice you and for you to see them before they cross the road. The extra light will make it easier to locate or spot any deer strolling along the road.
Make some music.
Experts recommend one long blast of the horn will scare deer out of the way. Don’t rely on other tools such as deer whistles.
Brake, don’t swerve.
In the moment, this is easier said than done. But you are much more likely to severely injure yourself by flipping your car than hitting a deer. By braking, you will also decrease the likelihood of a bad situation turning worse.
Keep watch for their friends.
Deer travel in packs and seldom travel alone. If there is a deer in the area, chances are there are more nearby.
Bonus Tip: Buckle up.
A seat belt is your best defense against any collision. According to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, seat belts saved almost 15,000 lives in 2017. This is the easiest way to help keep you and your family and friends safe.
No one likes hitting a deer, and when it happens, it can be scary. Deer collision repairs can be costly, with the national average landing right around $3,500. If you have hit a deer, know that Eustis Body Shop is here to help you with our expert staff. You can use our mobile estimating app to receive a quote tailored to fit your needs and take advantage of our top-notch collision repair services.